Seven men remanded in custody

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 08 March 2016, 12:00AM

Seven men appeared in the Supreme Court yesterday, charged in relation to the attack on a Fijian student who is recovering in New Zealand.

The men appeared before Chief Justice, His Honour Patu Tiava’asue Falefatu Sapolu yesterday, to face a charge of Grievous Bodily harm. 

The men are: Joseph Taumate Taula, Lepale Ashly Wilson, Junior Matini, Barry Mafi, Ioane Tom Thetadig, Ulagia Taumate Taula and Taumate Taumate Taula. 

They did not have a lawyer.

The head of the National Prosecution Office, Precious Chang, appeared for the prosecution. 

The alleged incident occurred on the 6th of February 2016 where the accused men beat up Fijian student, Allan Nokunokuivalu, outside a local nightclub.

One of the accused men has had his hearing transferred to the Youth Court because he is only 16 years old. 

Two defendants Ulagia Taumate and Junior Matini pleaded not guilty to the charge against them. The remaining four men pleaded guilty.

Ms. Chang opposed bail and asked that the men be remanded in custody based on the fact that they brutally beat up one helpless victim. The application by the prosecution was accepted. 

The men have been remanded in custody with the matter adjourned until 21 March 2016. 

In a report from Police two weeks ago, the media officer of the Ministry of Police Su’a Muliaga Tiumalu confirmed that the victim has been transferred to New Zealand for treatment.

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 08 March 2016, 12:00AM

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