bribery case

Tei was found guilty of bribery during the campaign for Tonga's general election last November.

The ruling was handed down by Justice Laki Niu reports RNZ Pacific.

Last week successful election petitions were filed against the former prime minister, Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa and internal affairs minister, Sangstar Saulala, and both men were found guilty of bribing voters while campaigning for the election last year.

Tonga's finance minister Tatafu Moeaki was also found guilty of bribery.

They have now all lost their seats in Parliament.

56-year-old Fili Ta'ai was arrested on drugs charges last July.

While in custody, he offered a police officer a box of chicken, 3 kilograms of corned beef, and three plastic bags of sweet potatoes for his release.

The officer immediately reported the bribery attempt to his superiors, resulting in a charge.

Matangi Tonga reports Ta'ai will be sentenced on 25 June.

Matangi Tonga reports 11 witnesses for 'Etuate Lavulavu will give their evidence when the Supreme Court trial continues.

Earlier a local matapule told the court road construction carried out in Lavulavu's constituency was under the Vava'u Road Council.

The petition from Villiami Latu alleges that Lavulavu breached the Elections Act by bribing voters to vote for him during his 2014 campaign.

Radio Tonga reports that Lavulavu's legal counsel requested an adjournment in the trial for further discussion of both parties.