A young man from the village of Vaiusu has pleaded not guilty to threatening and attempting to murder a relative in an incident alleged to have taken place last month. 

Andrew Wright is facing charges of attempted murder, being armed with dangerous weapon, using threatening words and causing grievous bodily harm to his relative, Tauese Wright, on 13 July. 

Andrew pleaded guilty to the charges of causing grievous bodily harm and being armed with a dangerous weapon. 

But he denied uttering threatening words to the effect that he will butcher Tauese and attempting to murder him. 

The defendant was not represented in Court. 

Prior to entering his plea, Justice Leiataualesa Daryl Clarke reminded Andrew that he has the right to seek a lawyer to represent him. 

He told him that the charge of attempted murder is a serious offence and if he wishes to engage with counsel he can do so. 

However, the young man insisted he does not need a lawyer and wanted to enter his plea to the charges. 

According to the summary of facts, on 13 July 2019 at Vaiusu Andrew used threatening words against Tauese and was armed with a dangerous weapon. 

He was accused of attempting to murder the alleged victim, who remains in hospital. 

Assistant Attorney General, Magele Leone Sua said Tauese suffered from an injury to the back of his neck. 

Justice Leiataualesa said the charge of grievous bodily harm is serious and he is likely to get an imprisonment term for it. 

Andrew has been remanded in custody. 

The matter has been adjourned to 19 August for the prosecution to consider the charges that the defendant has pleaded not guilty to.