Defence counsel for Prime Minister La'aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt and Lise-Marie Schmidt in the high-profile conspiracy case, Richard Marchant, labelled prosecution evidence as baseless and flip-flopping.

Charged are La'aulialemalietoa, Fepuleai Faimata Su'a, Li'o Fa'ataumalama, Lise-Marie Schmidt, Samuelu Su'a and Sivai Mamea for conspiracy, defamation and fabricating evidence against parliamentarian Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi and the former Commissioner of Police, Auapa'au Logoitino Filipo. The case stems from the death of Tu'uau Fa'asavalu, a teenager killed in a hit and run in Vaitele in 2021.

Marchant gave his submission in the District Court on Tuesday, saying the prosecution had failed to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt and his clients were not guilty.

He highlighted the evidence of Marie Tusi saying it was "painful" to watch her under pressure and finally telling the truth that she was actually present during the hit and run in 2021.

Marchant argued that the evidence of Tupuola Alatanu Wright contradicts the evidence by Tauofe Tamua and Tupuola's brother, Mano.

"Tupuola, by looking at his evidence, wanted Sam out of his life for so long, and his cows were returned as mentioned by Sam," he said.

"These three men's evidence is not credible, and the court should consider that they were lying." 

He said the only reason why Fepuleai went to Tupuola's house was to seek assistance from him, but not to bribe him, as mentioned in the evidence of Tauofe and Tupuola.

Marchant went on and said that even the allegations that Fepuleai bribed Marie were not true and were baseless.

He continued to the charges against Lise-Marie Schmidt, saying that Schmidt did not have any knowledge of what happened to Sam and Sivai and the accusations against them.

Marchant said Schmidt's involvement with Marie Tusi was that she offered her to stay at her place since Marie doesn't have a job.

Marchant also requested the court to consider the breach of bail charges against Schmidt, saying that the medical certificate was provided and that a person sometimes needs to recover.

The submissions continued on Tuesday afternoon with closing submissions from counsel Katherine Denzel, Muriel Lui and Mapusua Tanya Toailoa.

Denzel represented Samuelu Su'a and Sivai Mamea, while Toailoa represented Faataumalama Li'o.

The court has now been adjourned to 2 February to deliver a ruling.