Supreme Court gives chance to young man

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 20 November 2016, 12:00AM

Eighteen-year-old Sipuni Tusiga has been given a chance to learn a lesson by the Supreme Court.

The decision to convict and sentence him to 12 months probation and 100 hours of community services was delivered by Justice Vui Clarence Nelson.

Guilty of eight charges of burglary and theft, the prosecution pushed for a custodial penalty. 

The young man’s father, Tusiga Mala, was present in Court and he told the Court his son is a good boy in his family. He said what happened is that this boy was influenced by older boys in the village. 

But Justice Vui told Mr. Mala that it was his job as a father to set his son straight and discipline him.

Despite the Police pushing for a jail term, the Court opted against it.

“The court feels that he is young,” said Justice Vui. “He is young and I feel he needs to have a good future.”  

Justice Vui treated him as a first offender. 

“When this happens again you will be sent to jail.” 

Tusiga was then convicted and sentenced to 12 months probation and 100 hours of community services. He was also told not to socialise with his friends anymore. 

“Your friends will not stand for you and will not help you when go to jail,” said Justice Vui.

“Look around, none of them is here today except for your father.”

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 20 November 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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