A male teenager is sentenced for three year’s imprisonment after causing death by dangerous driving in a hit-and-run incident in ‘Eua.
The prisoner’s final 18 months of his sentence had been conditionally suspended for a period of two years.
Henry ‘Esitonia Lakalaka, 21, died in a crash on a Pangai Road, on November 11, 2020.
Semisi Mala’efo’ou of ‘Ohonua, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death.
At around 1pm Mala’efo’ou started drinking alcohol with others who were preparing food.
When they had finished the alcohol, the prisoner began driving the others to Ha’atu’a in his mother’s vehicle.
Once they turned onto the main road from ‘Ohonua to Ha’atu’a, Mala’efo’ou drove the vehicle at speeds of 80 to 90 kilometres per hour and did not slow down when they approached the village of Pangai which is a 50 kilometre per hour zone.
At that time, Lakalaka from Angahā and ‘Akapei Kefu were walking along the roadside in the same direction the vehicle was heading.
At a turn before the Free Church of Tonga compound past the Pangai Community Police post, the Defendant’s vehicle, which was still speeding, struck Lakalaka from behind and propelled him over 10 metres where he landed on the fence surrounding the church compound.
‘Akapei rushed to Henry, who was unconscious, and his head and face were covered with blood.
The Defendant did not stop at the scene. He continued driving to Ha’atu’a where
he dropped off the others.
‘Akapei and another rushed Lakalaka to Niu’eiki Hospital where he died later that
evening. Dr Penitani confirmed the cause of death as severe head injury
secondary to blunt force impact.
Mala’efo’ou was later arrested. He co-operated with Police and, when
interviewed, admitted to the offending.
Chief Justice Whitten convicted Mala’efo’ou of dangerous driving causing death and sentenced him to three years’ imprisonment.
“The final 18 months of the sentence are to be suspended for a period of 2 years on condition that during the said period of suspension, the Defendant is to:
(a) not commit any offence punishable by imprisonment;
(b) be placed on probation;
(c) report to the probation office within 48 hours of his release from prison and thereafter, as required by his probation officer;
