Four face sodomy, sex charges over intellectually disabled woman

Two teenagers and two women are facing charges of sodomy and sexual violation.

The charges are in connection an incident involving an intellectually disabled woman at Faleata earlier this year. 

Arona Falaniko, Mose Loli Faleata and Aiaraisa Faimai appeared in the Supreme Court on Monday to face the charges against them.

The fourth defendant, Kalameli Neueli, has been issued a warrant of arrest for failing to appear in Court.

The are facing charges of sexual violation by way of unlawful sexual connection, sodomy, party to sexual violation with a severely intellectual disabled person and indecent assault. 

The incident is alleged to have taken place sometime in January at Faleata.

The accused have been granted legal aid.  

Falaniko is represented by lawyer, Leulua’iali’i Tasi Malifa, lawyer Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt is acting for Faleata and Leinafo Taimalelagi is the lawyer for Aiaraisa. 

Justice Leiataualesa Daryl Clarke revoked legal aid assigned to Sapolu law firm for the fourth defendant, Faimai. 

The accused has an outstanding warrant of arrest. 

Assistant Attorney General, Magele Leone Su’a, told the Court they oppose bail for the accused. 

The defense  lawyers had asked for an adjournment to seek instructions from their clients.  

Justice Leiataulaesa granted the request and asked the defendants to remain in custody until their next appearance on 24 February 2020.