A former police officer escaped an imprisonment term for manslaughter after pleading guilty to the charge in the Supreme Court.

Silivelio Lui, 37, of Moamoa and Sataua, Savaii, was given a sentence of 18 months probation with 100 hours of free community service.

Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese told the defendant that he is to attend an anger management course.

Chief Justice Satiu, during his sentencing, told the defendant that this is a serious offence that he has pleaded guilty to; however, because he and his wife were able to assist the deceased when he was unconscious was taken into consideration by the court.

"That doesn't mean that the court takes this offence lightly; someone has died," Chief Justice Satiu said.

Another mitigating factor Chief Justice Satiu took into consideration was the ifoga presented by the defendant to the mother and sister of the deceased, and he was forgiven by them.

According to the police summary of facts, the incident occurred on 27 June 2025, when the deceased, who was intoxicated, approached one of the workers of Sunrise Restaurant, which the defendant and his wife operate.

He argued with one of the workers because he wanted to buy alcohol. Mrs Lui attended the commotion and called the police. Later on, the police attended the scene and told the deceased to go.

Afterwards, the deceased again came through the back door trying to get access.

The deceased at that time was yelling and swearing out of anger over not being able to get alcohol from the restaurant.

The police again arrived when Mrs Lui again called for help, and this time the defendant also arrived.

He confronted the victim and struck him on the face with one punch and the deceased fell backwards and was unconscious.

Mrs Lui and the defendant assisted by applying first aid, and the victim gained consciousness.

From then on, the defendant and his wife took the victim to the hospital, and according to the summary of facts, he was still alive when he arrived at the hospital and died an hour later from severe head injuries.

Chief Justice Satiu warned the defendant that this was a lesson for him.

CJ Satiu placed Lui under 18 months of probation and 100 hours of community service.

Outside the court, the defendant was seen in tears as he hugged his wife, parents and family who were present.

His father said he was speechless and thanked God for the chance given to his son to learn from his mistakes.

"I am grateful that he has been placed under probation but not behind bars," the father said in tears.

Lui resigned as a police officer in February this year and decided to assist his wife in running their family business.