The prisoner accused of deforming the face of a widow from Faleula during a vicious attack last year is facing a charge of attempted murder in relation to the incident.

He also faces a charge of being armed with a dangerous weapon for which he is scheduled to be sentenced next month. 

This was confirmed by the Director of the National Prosecution Office, Mauga Precious Chang in response to questions from the Samoa Observer. 

“The defendant is charged with attempted murder and (being) armed with a dangerous weapon,” said Mauga. “He pleaded guilty to all charges on 6 July 2016 and is (scheduled) for sentencing on 8 August 2016.”

The man who identified himself to Maria Tupuola as Ray is known as Taumata Bragovits.

On the front page of the Samoa Observer yesterday, Ms. Tupuola, 41, broke her silence about the attack that changed her life forever.

The mother of two teenage boys said she owes her life to her son Willie who saved her during the attack in front of the gates of Faleula Catholic Church last year. 

Ms. Tupuola said she continues to have nightmares about that day saying it has robbed her of her courage, trust and freedom to live without fear. 

Her attacker is a convict who stalked her through phone calls and text messages. 

The mother maintains that the incident could have been prevented if police had listened to her. 

She blamed the authority for not keeping her attacker behind bars when they had the chance. 

“When I was told he was released on bail, I kept asking the police about my safety and my children,” she pointed out. 

“They told me I would be okay no harm will come to me but they should have listened to me…look at me now.”