By Michael Morrah
The New Zealander jailed for his part in the sinking of the Tongan ferry, Princess Ashika, has been released from prison after serving six months of a five year prison sentence.
John Jonesse was released from jail yesterday after successfully appealing his sentence and arrived back in Auckland this morning.
The decision has upset families of the 74 who died, saying he should have stayed inside.
He caught the first flight out, a free man, but was reluctant to talk about his culpability in the shipping disaster that cost so many lives.
“I spent time with many families over a long period of time and have always done my best to support them fully.”
Just six months ago a judge told Jonesse the shipping company he ran was a shambles and sentenced him to five years for manslaughter by negligence.
The ship's captain got six months but the Tonga court of appeal has decided "the sentence imposed on Jonesse was manifestly unjust particularly in relation to the sentences imposed on the other offenders”.
Member of the Tongan Advisory Council, Melino Maka says the decision “is just like a slap in the face for our legal system and for those families”.
The court replaced Jonesse's five-year sentence with one of three and a half years, but then decided three of that should be suspended and as he had already served six months, he walked free.
“Of course I feel for the family and friends and always have done,” he says.
Jonesse recommended Tonga purchase the doomed ferry.
He had been told it was not suitable for Tongan waters. It sailed anyway. Waves punched holes it its hull on each of the five trips it made before it sank.
In Nukua'lofa Ilisapeta Tahahau Ofa says she lost her mother, brother and sister in the tragedy.
“Here in Tonga we all Christians and we believe in forgiveness; if he only could come out and say sorry I think people of Tonga will forgive.”
“I believe he should have served the time that he was supposed to serve.”
She is also upset the government did not inform families of Jonesse's release.
Tonga’s Solicitor General did not make it to court for the appeal as he is the manager of the Tongan rugby team.
“I am not abandoning my role. This is also important for the country. It's a unifying factor for the country,” he says, referring to the Rugby World Cup.
But today, fans were unified against the judgement.
The ferry's captain has also been released from prison and says he hopes to get work in the marine industry again.
Jonesse was collected at the airport by a close friend today but is expected to be reunited with his wife who also lives in New Zealand.
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