6 Feb 2012

Preliminary inquiry set for Tongan noble

4:33 pm on 6 February 2012

A preliminary hearing next month will determine whether there is enough evidence for a case against the Tongan noble, Lord Tu'iha'ateiho, to proceed to the Supreme Court.

The Ha'apai Noble's Representative, who is charged with the illegal possession of a firearm, appeared in court briefly this morning.

Sifa Tu'utafaiva, who is a People's Representative, and is representing Lord Tu'iha'ateiho, says they elected to have a preliminary inquiry rather than the case be submitted directly to the Supreme Court.

He says at the hearing on March the 28th, the crown will have to prove there is sufficient evidence to warrant a trial.