A 38-year-old Tongatapu man who grew cannabis plants in his garden has escaped a jail sentence because his wife is seriously ill.
Mikaele Tukia’s offending came to light after police broke into his Nualei home on 12 August 2017 after receiving tip off from the public.
Further searches around the property found a basket inside Tukia’s house which contained marijuana leaves.
Justice Cato told Tukia that his offending carries a maximum of 25 years or TOP$750,000 or both, Taimi ‘O Tonga newspaper has reported.
Mr Cato sentenced Tukia to three years and ordered to pay a fine of $1,000.
Mr Cato has suspended Tukia’s jail terms after he heard his wife is really sick and no one is available to take care of her, the paper said.
Tukia must not commit any crimes during his three year’s jail suspension.
The paper said Tukia previously appeared before a magistrate on a separate drug deal case.