9 Jul 2014

Pair jailed for killing NZ officer

7:43 pm on 9 July 2014

Two Tongan men found guilty of the manslaughter of a New Zealand police officer have been given long prison sentences.

Kelepi Hala'ufia, a former police inspector, was jailed for 11 years and Salesi Maile, a former constable for nine years when they appeared in Tonga's Supreme Court on Wednesday.

Kali Fungavaka, a constable with Counties Manukau police, died in custody after being beaten in his cell following a night out in Nuku'alofa in August 2012.

A civilian, Semisi Manu, who was in the cells with him, has been given an 18-month suspended sentence for causing grievous bodily harm.

Radio Tonga reports the court took note of Manu's remorse and his promise not to touch alcohol again, and has ordered him to do community work.