Man accused of attempted murder asks for lawyer

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 04 July 2017, 12:00AM

A 29-year-old male accused of pouring hot water on 58-year-old-man has asked the Court for legal aid to help with his case.

Junior Vai appeared in Supreme Court for mention before Chief Justice, His Honor Patu Tiavasue Falefatu Sapolu.

Lucy Sio is the prosecutor.

“You’re Honor, this matter is for first mention and I was wondering if we can have a two week adjournment for prosecution to finalize charges against the defendant,” Ms. Sio asked the Court.

Chief Justice Patu then asked the defendant if he wanted and that’s when he said yes.

“Junior Vai, this matter is adjourned for two weeks for the prosecution to finalize the charges,” His Honour Patu said.

“This will also give you time to find a lawyer to represent you because you are remanded in custody. Tell the officers to take you down to the registrar and fill out a form for legal aid.

“[And] make sure you also ask the officers to allow you to use the telephone at Tafaigata so you can follow up with the registrar here if your application for legal aid has been approved before you come back again.”

Junior Vai is 29-years-old and is from the village of Vaitele.

Last week, Acting Assistant Commissioner Sala’a Moananu Sala’a said the accused is charged with attempted murder.

 “The incident occurred at one of the villages in the Faleata District,” said Sala’a.

“The accused splashed hot water on the victim and we don’t know for what reason.

“Police are still investigating the matter and the victim is lucky to be alive.”

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 04 July 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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