Man fined $850 for assaulting drunkard

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 01 July 2016, 12:00AM

A 45-year-old man from Saleaumua found guilty of causing grievous bodily and being armed with a dangerous weapon has been fined $850.

Talosaga Mika was sentenced by Justice Vui Clarence Nelson in the Supreme Court on Tuesday.

The defendant did not have a lawyer while lawyer Fuifui Ioane appeared for the National Prosecution Office.

According to the Police summary of facts, the defendant is the victim’s neighbor. On 19 April 2016 at around 1am, the victim arrived home intoxicated and was looking for a lighter.

He became loud and he woke up his neighbours. At that point, the neighbors called on to the victim to stop but he didn’t. Instead, he turned around and swore at them.

That’s when Mika grabbed a pipe, walked to the house and assaulted the drunk man.  The victim’s wife reported the matter to the Police and Mika was arrested immediately.

In sentencing, Justice Vui considered the circumstances and what led to the attack. He said that the National Prosecution Office had recommended a custodial punishment, this was not necessary. 

“I will give you another chance but don’t repeat such behavior again because it’s inexcusable,” Justice Vui told the defendant. “And when the court closes the door, it means no more chances.” 

The defendant was convicted and ordered to make a donation of $500 to the Family Violence Court through the Probation Office.

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 01 July 2016, 12:00AM
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