After six months behind bars for his role in the fatal sinking of a Tonga ferry, former Christchurch businessman John Jonesse has won the appeal against his conviction and is a free man.
Mr Jonesse was head of the Shipping Corporation of Polynesia, which owned the Princess Ashika that sank during an overnight voyage from the Tongan capital Nuku'alofa to an outlying island in August 2009, killing 74 people.
He was convicted on eight charges and sentenced to five years in jail for his part in tragedy, but lodged an appeal in April.
The Court of Appeal in Nuku'alofa has based its decision on the suspension of four-and-a-half years of the term and the fact that Mr Jonesse has already been imprisoned for six months, Radio New Zealand reports.
He will return home to New Zealand on Saturday, Matangi Tonga reports.
The Ashika's captain and first mate are also appealing against their convictions, while Tonga's solicitor-general was appealing the "light" sentences they were given.
NZN