According the Kaniva News the Hon. Justice Cato described the case as tragic.
He made the statement in acquitting the child’s parents of charges of manslaughter by negligence.
He said the child’s death was avoidable, but that the baby and his parents were victims of poverty.
He said the parents were “perhaps lacking also in education and awareness.”
He said the defendants, Siulolovao Mafi and Teni Latu were very ordinary Tongan people, living by hand to mouth by Mr Latu’s fishing. They lived in very basic accommodation with four children.
