Man in metal pipe attack to be sentenced

By Tina Mata'afa-Tufele 10 June 2020, 5:00PM

Acting Chief Justice Vui Clarence Nelson is scheduled to sentence a man, who attacked another man with a metal pipe in Moamoa Fou, next week. 

The accused Vito Leota, also known as Vito Sefo, pleaded guilty to three criminal charges that came out from the February 2020 attack. 

He entered a plea of guilty to each charge – actual bodily harm, assault with grievous bodily harm and being armed with a dangerous weapon (a metal pipe). 

Vito appeared before the Supreme Court Justice Leiataualesa Daryl M. Clarke on Tuesday morning, where he admitted to causing serious injuries to the other man when he struck the victim with a metal pipe on 2 February in Moamoa Fou.

The defendant entered his guilty pleas unrepresented by an attorney.

The Court then advised the defendant of his right to an attorney and reminded Vito that during his previous court appearance on 9 March, he was given the opportunity to find a lawyer to represent him.

“Have you found a lawyer or not?,” Justice Leaitaualesa asked the defendant.

In response, the defendant said he did not find a lawyer and would answer the charges on his own.

“Do you understand the charges against you are serious?,” Justice Leiataualesa asked. “You still wish to proceed without legal advice?”

Vito said he has agreed to proceed without an attorney.

“Vito, you are guilty of these I have noted,” said Justice Leaitaualesa.

The defendant was remanded on bail and advised to abide by his bail conditions. Sentencing has been scheduled for 29 June, 2020 before Acting Chief Justice Vui.

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By Tina Mata'afa-Tufele 10 June 2020, 5:00PM

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