Feleti Finau sentenced in Toowoomba court for attacking wife and neighbour

A retired merchant sailor, who lived like a “king” when visiting Tonga, bashed his wife at Millmerran in a drunken rage, before turning his attention to a good Samaritan who tried to help her.

Feleti Finau leaving Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Wednesday, December 21, after pleading guilty to assault. Picture: News Regional Media

A man who used to live like a “king” in Tonga attacked his wife and neighbour during a drunken rage at their Millmerran Woods property on October 21, a court has heard.

Feleti Finau, 43, punched the woman in the face a number of times and followed her when she sought refuge at her elderly neighbour’s home.

Police prosecutor Rowan Brewster-Webb said on the night of the assault, the pair had been drinking with their neighbours before the incident.

“After the neighbours left, the defendant had argued with the aggrieved regarding whom she had slept with … years ago,” he said.

“He’s begun punching her in the face and then to her hands and chest when she was trying to protect herself.”

Feleti Finau leaving Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Wednesday, December 21, after pleading guilty to assault. Picture: News Regional Media

Mr Brewster-Webb said during a break in the assault, the woman managed to call a Mr Eldershaw for help.

Finau then followed the pair back to Mr Eldershaw’s home in his car.

“He continued to be abusive to all persons present,” he said.

“He grabbed the (Mr Eldershaw) around the back of his neck and pulled and pushed him causing pain to his back and neck.

“It is serious violence against the aggrieved arising from his own jealousy and insecurities and this is then further aggravated by his attack on the neighbour.

“The neighbour was just trying to do the right thing and help out someone in need.”

Solicitor Calum Wood asked for a conviction not to be recorded as his client had to cut his retirement short and return to his career as a merchant sailor following his marriage breakdown.

“It is the only profession he knows,” he said.

“Previously he and his wife had worked themselves and invested wisely to the point they could retire in their early 40s.”

The McConnell and Salumbide lawyer said the pair met in New Zealand in 2000, however Finau was a citizen of Tonga.

The Toowoomba Court House. Picture: Peta McEachern

“From the age of 16 he was earning in 1996 $1200 a month and … effectively supporting his family in Tonga,” he said.

“He was working on LPG tankers/ (ships).”
Mr Wood said the pair came to Australia in early 2020 when the woman’s father was ill, however were unable to leave due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“During that period there was an infidelity on her behalf, now Mr Finau has not been able to come to terms with it,” he said.

“He’s not sure whether or not there is any option of that relationship ever being repaired, that said he is willing to support her in whatever way necessary – and her likewise.”

Mr Wood said Finau was actively seeking support for drinking and programs that address men’s behavioural issues.

“He doesn’t have any memory of the offending … he is remorseful and deeply ashamed,” he said.

“(Drinking) has been an issue for him since his early teens.

“He’s described that lifestyle in Tonga as being somewhat hedonistic, the fact that he had so much income he would return home (from the sea) two months a year and effectively live like a king.”

The court heard Finau had “strong ties” to the Free Church of Tonga, and while in Australia he attended the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Magistrate Louise Shephard noted she received a letter of support for Finau from a prominent member of the Brisbane Tonga community – reverend Suli Helu.

“He knows you well and talks of you … devoting your time and effort in the Tongan communities in response to those … who suffered with the volcanic eruption in January 2022,” she said.

“He describes you as a family man who is involved with his church and his community … (and) a caring and honest man.

“He was shocked to hear about (the incident, and) he has some real insight being a former police officer in Tonga and talks about difficulties he’s personally experienced in that job with Tongan men and alcohol and the impacts and behaviour it can cause.”

Ms Shephard said Finau’s wife declined to make a formal complaint which saved him one charge of assault occasioning bodily harm, and noted he had no criminal history or traffic history.

At the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on December 20, Finau pleaded guilty to assault.

He was sentenced to a two year probation order, and no conviction was recorded.