Court sentencing adjourned for guilty duo

By Lanuola Tusani Tupufia 25 March 2016, 12:00AM

District Court Judge, Vaepule Vaemoa Vaai, has adjourned the sentencing of two defendants found guilty of an attempt to defeat the course of justice. 

Lawyers for the defendants were called into chambers on Wednesday where Judge Vaepule made the decision to adjourn the matter to 6 April 2016. 

According to lawyer for one of the defendants, Alalatoa Rosella Papali’I, the adjournment was made since another lawyer, Taulapapa Brenda Heather Latu, was not present.

Elaine Elena Ulia Faiga and Samoa Victim Support Group staff, Tumua Luafalealo, were found guilty of attempting to defeat the course of justice last month.  

The charges arose from a criminal prosecution against Mrs. Faiga in 2013 which was dismissed when complainant Susan Stowers had left the country.  Mrs. Faiga was found guilty of coercing a key witness, Foai Galue Malo between 20th February and 10th May 2013 to leave for American Samoa. 

On the other hand, Mrs. Luafalealo was found guilty of calling Ms. Stowers on 11th November 2013 telling her not to cooperate with the police investigation. 

S.V.S.G President, Siliniu Lina Chang, Superintendent Sala’a Sale Sala’a were found not guilty.  Siliniu and Mrs. Luafalealo were represented by lawyer Taulapapa.

Lawyer Papali’i Lio Taeu Masipau stood for Superintendent Sala’a and Alalatoa was the lawyer for Mrs. Faiga.  

By Lanuola Tusani Tupufia 25 March 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>