The Supreme Court has sentenced civil servant Lesieli Halafihi to three years and three months in prison for defrauding the government of more than TP$70,000.
Mr Justice Cato said the offending was a serious breach of codes.
“The sum involved by Tongan standards is significant,” he said.
“The starting point for this offending, must reflect the higher maximum penalty Parliament laid down in order to foster high standards of ethical behaviour by government servants so that government business is not adversely compromised by dishonest practices especially by senior civil servants.”
The supreme court was told that Halafihi, as chief cashier for the Ministry of Finance in the Vava’u branch, stole TP$72, 500.42.
Various false entries were made in books of account which an audit revealed. None of this money has been repaid.
“At all material times, the prisoner had access to the books of account and the money for which she was responsible.
Mr Justice Cato suspended the final six months of Halafihi’s sentence
“She is a first offender with two children,” he said.
“I consider that there is more to be gained in her case from a rehabilitative aspect by suspending at least a part of her sentence so she can be united with her children sooner.”
The main points
- The Supreme court has sentenced civil servant Lesieli Halafihi to three years and three months in prison for defrauding the government of more than TP$70,000.
- Mr Justice Cato said the offending was a serious breach of codes.
