Man accused of double death told to get lawyer

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 16 June 2017, 12:00AM

A 42-year-old man accused of double murder in Savai’i has been told to get a lawyer.

SineiAunei of Iva and Neiafu Savai’i appeared before Chief Justice, His Honour Patu Tiava’asu’e Falefatu Sapolu this week.

Leone Su’a–Mailois the prosecutor.

Aunei initially did not want to a lawyer.

 However, Ms. Su’a-Mailoargued that he needed to apply for legal aid due to the seriousness of the charge against him.

“We also request for him to be taken back to Vaiaata as he is not safe if he was to be in custody in Tafaigata,” Ms. Su’a-Mailo said.

Chief Justice Patu granted the request from the prosecution.

“SineiAunei, you have to find yourself a lawyer to represent you during the trial,” said Chief Justice Patu.

“Therefore before you go today you need to fill up a form for legal aid so that by next week Monday when you come back you will have a lawyer that will represent you. “Also you are to be remanded in custody in Vaiaata where you will be safe.”

Auneihas been charged with murder in relation to a fatal crash at Iva Savai’ilast week where a mother and her four-year-old son died.

He is also facing charges of negligent driving causing death while under the influence of alcohol.

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 16 June 2017, 12:00AM
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