The trial of former Member of Parliament Johnny Grattan Vaea Taione was abandoned last month after a key witness failed to appear in court.
The former MP for Tongatapu 8 went on trial on 21 April, facing two charges of forgery and obtaining by false pretence.
The former MP for Tongatapu 8 was charged with forgery after allegedly writing an authorisation letter in March 2024 at Longolongo.
The Crown claims the letter was intended to deceive the Ministry of Infrastructure by falsely stating that the owner of a blue 2022 Ford Ranger had authorised its transfer to another person.
Taione is alleged to have obtained $68,000 by false pretence, after reportedly representing in a letter that the owner had authorised the registration of his Ford Ranger. He pleaded not guilty to both charges in January 2025.
The hearing was adjourned to 22 April to allow police to execute a bench warrant following the failure of a key witness to appear.
However, the prosecution later informed the court on 23 April that the witness could not be located and entered a nolle prosequi, the Lord Chief Justice said.
“Accordingly, I find the defendant not guilty of the charges. The matter is now closed with no order as to costs.”
