Principal pleads not guilty to sex charges

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 09 April 2018, 12:00AM

The suspended Principal of Faleata College, Tanuvasa Michael Gray, appeared in the Supreme Court yesterday to answer to sex-related charges involving a male student.

Tanuvasa is accused of sexual connection induced by threat; sexual conduct with consent induced by threat and indecent assault. 

He appeared before Supreme Court Justice, Leiataualesa Darryl Clarke and was represented by lawyer, Alex Su’a. 

The prosecutor is lawyer, Fuifui Ioane, of the Attorney General’s Office. 

Tanuvasa’s plea of not guilty was entered through his lawyer.

Justice Leiataualesa set the date for the trial to begin on 20 August 2018. 

He issued a suppression order on the name of the complainant but made it clear the suppression does not apply to the accused in the matter. 

Outside Court, Mr. Su’a insisted his client is protected under the law which clearly states that he’s innocent until proven guilty. 

“My client vehemently denies the claims and he will defend his innocence in Court,” said Mr. Su’a. 

“There has been a lot said about my client on social media which has traumatized him yet there are two sides to every story and these are just allegations and my client has a side of the story to tell in court, on the day of trial,” said Mr. Su’a.

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 09 April 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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