Nuku’alofa, Tonga — A man has been sentenced to imprisonment after admitting to breaking into the Tonga Communications Corporation (TCC) office and stealing electronic goods worth more than $53,000.
Kasiano Tukuhaukava, 21, appeared before the Supreme Court in Nuku‘alofa, where Justice Petunia Tupou KC handed down a total sentence of two and a half years’ imprisonment after the defendant pleaded guilty to serious housebreaking and theft.
The court heard that on 12 July 2024, Tukuhaukava smashed a window of the TCC office at Fasi around 3am using a metal rod before entering the premises and stealing multiple high-value mobile phones.
An employee arriving at work later that morning discovered broken glass and reported the incident to police.
The stolen items included a range of Apple iPhones, from iPhone 6 models to newer iPhone 14 devices, with a combined value of $53,160..pdf) Only three of the 15 stolen phones were eventually recovered.
Offender Admitted Crime
Tukuhaukava was later arrested on an unrelated matter in August 2024, during which he admitted to the TCC break-in and theft.
The court was told he sold the stolen phones to friends.
According to a pre-sentencing report, the defendant said he committed the crime after drinking with friends and wanted money to continue drinking.
Prior Offending and Escape
Justice Tupou noted that Tukuhaukava had previous convictions and had received lenient penalties in the past, including fines and discharges without conviction.
In a concerning development, the court also heard that while awaiting sentencing for this case, the defendant escaped from custody and was later sentenced by the Magistrates’ Court to seven months’ imprisonment for that offence.
He had already served two months of that sentence at the time of the Supreme Court hearing.
The court described serious housebreaking as a significant offence in Tonga, often linked to more serious criminal behaviour, and emphasised the importance of deterrence and public protection.
Justice Tupou said Tukuhaukava’s actions showed premeditation and a disregard for previous opportunities for rehabilitation.
Partly Suspended
The court initially considered a higher sentence but reduced it to avoid imposing what was described as a “crushing” first term of imprisonment for a young offender.
After allowing for his early guilty plea and cooperation with police, Tukuhaukava was sentenced to 2½ years’ imprisonment, with the final 12 months suspended for two years under strict conditions.
These conditions include not committing further offences, reporting to probation authorities, and completing rehabilitation programmes.
Time to Be Served
Taking into account the cumulative sentence for his escape from custody and eligibility for remission, the defendant is expected to serve approximately 23 months in prison.
