Man jailed for 12 years over fatal drive-by shooting of beloved father outside Melbourne venue

A man who was involved in a Melbourne drive-by shooting that claimed the life of a father-of-five has been jailed for 12 years.

Nikola Latuhoi, 29, pleaded guilty to manslaughter over the February 28, 2021, shooting in Ravenhall in Melbourne's west.

Ikenasio Tuivasa had been standing outside the All Star Lounge with family and friends when Latuhoi drove up in a Toyota Hilux with another person in his passenger seat.

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Latuhoi stopped the vehicle and the unknown offender yelled at the group before firing four or five shots through the passenger side window.

One struck Tuivasa in the head, killing him, while a second man was also hit in the leg.

Latuhoi and the co-offender fled the scene, and the 29-year-old flew to Sydney.

He was arrested over the fatal shooting in July 2021 and charged with murder and attempted murder.

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Latuhoi formally pleaded guilty in the Victorian Supreme Court to a charge of manslaughter in July 2023 and he was sentenced today.

Justice John Champion said Tuivasa was an innocent man who was loved and respected by his family and friends.

"(His) life was cut brutally short," the judge said.

Justice Champion described Latuhoi's actions as "outrageous and unacceptable", noting it led to a tragic outcome.

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The 29-year-old was jailed for 12 years but he will be eligible for parole after nine years.

Sekonaia Vave faced a murder trial in the Victorian Supreme Court last year, accused of being the gunman.

The jury found him not guilty of murder and attempted murder, and also acquitted him of an alternate charge of homicide by firearm.