A man who claimed self-defence when he struck his brother-in-law three times with a machete has been jailed for eight years.

So’o Pasila, of Nofoali’i, was given the jail term recently after a panel of assessors found him guilty of attempted murder and being armed with a dangerous weapon. 

The father of four had denied the charges claiming it was an act of defence when he struck the 50-year-old victim without warning and severed his right forearm. 

He was represented by lawyer, Unasa Iuni Sapolu, while the Attorney General’s Office lawyer, Fuifui Ioane, was the prosecutor. 

Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma handed down the sentence.  

According to the evidence during trial, the Pasila and the victim are married into the same family; their wives are sisters. 

The Court heard that the sisters got into an argument and the men learned about it in January 2020 at Nofoalii. 

In handing down the sentence, Justice Roma said the imposed sentence will hold the accused accountable for the harm done to the victim. 

He said it will also promote in Pasila a sense of responsibility for the harm he has done and to protect the community.

“There is no question in my mind that in the circumstances of your case, a custodial sentence will serve those purposes,” said Justice Roma. 

“On the charge of attempted murder, you are convicted and sentenced to 8 years’ imprisonment. 

“On the charge of being armed with a dangerous weapon, you are also convicted and sentenced to 2 months’ imprisonment. 

“Both sentences to be served concurrently…”

Pasila has previous conviction of similar offence.