A charge of manslaughter has been withdrawn against a 20-year-old male in relation to a bicycle incident which resulted in the death of a 15-year-old. 

Simon Mona Sapu was accused of using his bicycle to push another bicycle ridden by two other boys, causing them to fall on the road and onto the path of a bus. One of them died.

The other boy survived and sustained serious injuries. 

Sapu appeared before Supreme Court Judge, Justice Vui Clarence Nelson, and a panel of assessors for hearing yesterday.

Fuifui Ioane was the prosecutor while lawyer Unasa Iuni Sapolu represented the defendant. 

Ms. Ioane made an application to withdraw the manslaughter charge. 

She told the Court prosecution will proceed with charges of recklessly riding a bicycle causing death to Faafia Lavasii and recklessly riding a bicycle causing bodily injuries to Kelemete Tipa. 

In response, Unasa accepted the application and asked if the manslaughter charge could be dismissed. 

“I also seek the Court’s consent that given the new charges – be it transferred to the District Court,” she said. 

Justice Vui granted the application and transferred the matter for District Court mention on 19 March 2019. 

He also acknowledged the panel of assessors for making themselves available to assist the Court.