The Supreme Court has issued a warrant of arrest for a man accused of burglary and assault with intent to commit sexual violation with a person under the age of 16.

The defendant Lole Lino Lemisio, 23, was scheduled to appear before Supreme Court Justice Vui Clarence Nelson on Thursday morning but did not show up when his name was called by a police officer in attendance.

The defendant has been charged with one count of burglary and one count of assault with intent to commit sexual violation with a young person under the age of 16.

The allegations stem from an incident that occurred at Vailoa Faleata on Boxing Day last year.

Prosecutors on the case were Ann Matalasi and Vei Faasii with the defence counsel Charlie Vaai.

Justice Vui asked Vaai if he tried to get a hold of his client on Thursday morning.

But Vaai said he contacted Lemisio on a cell phone number provided by his client but he could not reach him.

Justice Vui then noted that the defendant is required to appear at his trial date as part of his bail condition.

“We can’t waste time chasing people around the country if they don’t come to their trial. We will make them come,” he said.

“If he came on the 20th of July, did he ask someone what happened to my case? No. He got in his car and went home. He knows he’s got to be here in the court. 

“He hasn’t contacted the police. He hasn’t contacted his lawyer. Why should I be sympathetic to that? A warrant of arrest is issued. He is to be arrested and remanded in custody.”

Meanwhile, the Appellate Court will convene for its sitting on Monday, 3 August, 2020.

Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese presided during call overs for the Court of Appeals on Thursday morning.  

 The appellate court will involve a judge who will sit in from a remote location via a video teleconference link. 

A total of three judges have been confirmed so far for the Court of Appeals: Chief Justice Satiu, Supreme Court Justice Vui Clarence Nelson and Queen’s Counsel Justice Robert Lloyd Fisher who is located in New Zealand. Justice Fisher will preside via video link.

A fourth judge will sit on the Court of Appeals but the person has not been confirmed.

A list of appeals that will be heard by the appellate court was not available for the press on Thursday.