New hearing date for bail application set

By Deidre Tautua 19 April 2017, 12:00AM

A father accused of killing his son in an alleged drunken rage has found himself a new lawyer. He will also get another chance to ask for bail. 

Unasa Iuni Sapolu is now the new counsel for Afereti Talato Mapusua.

She takes over from Alalatoa Rosella Viane Papalii, who has been sworn in as the new Judge for the District Court.

Before Chief Justice, His Honour Patu Tiava’asue Falefatu Sapolu yesterday, Unasa requested for a second bail hearing. 

But the Counsel for the Prosecution told the court that a bail decision had already been made by Justice Leiataualesa Daryl Clarke and therefor the request was not necessary.

“The bail application was denied,” the Court was told.

But Unasa disagreed.

“I wish to raise the issue of bail again and I wonder if your honor could set the matter down for bail hearing,” she said. “I was not present at the hearing for bail that was done before … I wish that the matter be revisited for a bail application.”

Chief Justice Patu granted the application.

“There is nothing to stop an accused from continuing to apply for bail provided that there is good reason for a review of the application,” said Chief Justice Patu.

“So would the bail application be ready by next week?

“Yes Sir,” said Unasa.

“Now this matter is further adjourned to Monday 24th April at 10 for the new counsel for the accused to file a new bail application and by that time there will be a letter of withdraw by previous counsels for the accused.”

“Present Counsel for the accused what is the plea,” ask CJ.

“He is not guilty,” said Unasa.

By Deidre Tautua 19 April 2017, 12:00AM
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