Defense counsel fails to appear

By Deidre Tautua 18 April 2017, 12:00AM

The non-appearance of the counsel representing a defendant, Afereti Talato Maousua who is accused of killing his 14-year-old son, was the cause for the matter being adjourned to Tuesday.

The defendant was originally represented by Alalatoa Rosella Viane Papalii.

However Alalatoa is now a judge and Phaedra Maluia is now the counsel for the defendant.

Last week, the defendant filed for an application of bail however it was rejected by Judge Leiataualesa Darryl Clarke and was adjourned for the court to set a hearing date for the matter.

However, due to the non-appearance by Ms. Maluia, His Honour Chief Justice Patu Tiavasu’e Falefatu Sapolu, adjourned the matter to Tuesday.

“Your lawyer is not here,” said the C.J.

“So this matter will be adjourned to next week Tuesday and before you go back to Tafaigata you have to find your lawyer and let her know that she has to appear on your behalf.”

By Deidre Tautua 18 April 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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