A jury in Tonga has convicted a suspended Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Justice of causing the death of a woman while driving under the influence of alcohol.
Vatulele Tuputupu of Niutoua had pleaded not guilty to two counts in the alternative of causing death while driving under the influence of alcohol, and manslaughter by neglicence, over the death of 'Ana Toki after a road accident at Lapaha in 2011.
The Nuku'alofa Supreme Court was told that he was driving under the influence of alcohol in a government car and the victim, also from Niutoua, was a passenger.
Matangi Tonga online reports jury found Tuputupu guilty on the first count of causing death while driving under the influence of alcohol, which could incur 15 years imprisonment.
Tuputupu is free on bail for sentencing in November.
