A Samoan man has pleaded guilty to raping an Australian woman in November last year.

Terry Faati of Sinamoga and Siufaga Falelatai entered a guilty plea to one count of rape through his lawyer Tuala Joe Ponifasio.

The 30-year-old appeared before Justice Leiataualesa Daryl Clarke Friday.  

Prosecutor is Attorney General’s lawyer, Lucy Sio Ofoia, assisted by Quentin Sauaga. 

Justice Leiataualesa issued a suppression order for the complainant and any information that may lead to her identification. 

The matter, which was scheduled for hearing, did not proceed. 

Defense counsel advised the Court that his client wishes to vacate his plea to a guilty plea. 

Furthermore, Tuala told the Court that Faati requests an opportunity to apologise to the complainant before she departs for Australia on Saturday. 

The Prosecution did not object to the application. 

Justice Leiataualesa then granted the request. 

He said the request is granted on the basis that prosecution does not object and that it has been made in consultation with the complainant. 

In apologising to the complainant in court, the emotional Faati said he was very sorry for what he did to her. 

“I apologise to the sister that is affected for what had happened,” he said. 

“Please forgive me for what I had done and I know only God can forgive me for what I did to you. 

“I know you have been good and kind to me and I thank you for what you had done for me in the past.”

Faati continued to sob in the courtroom and said he also wanted to apologise to the complainant’s family and to her aunty. 

Justice Leiataualesa then adjourned the matter to Wednesday, 24 July, 2019 for sentencing. 

The accused is remanded in custody. 

The complainant was visiting Samoa when the incident occurred on November 21 last year at one of the local hotels she was staying in.