The Supreme Court has handed down a suppression order to prevent any publication of matters related to the trial of former Manu Samoa head coach until the final determination of the case. 

Senior Judge Justice Vui Clarence Nelson made the order at the beginning of preliminary issues into the charges against former Manu Samoa coach, Mase Mahonri Schwalger, on Monday. 

Justice Nelson said the order also applies to any publication or comments made on social media or any form of publicity from anyone attending the case. 

“And be warned, I will have no problem sending people to jail for breaking this law,” he added. 

Mase appeared in the Supreme Court on Monday represented by lawyer Leinafo Taimalelagi Strickland.

The prosecutor is Magele Leone Sua Mailo and the proceeding is to deal with preliminary issues before the actual hearing. 

The former rugby player was charged by the police in September last year with sexual offences. He eventually tendered his resignation in January this year, effectively immediately following the charges.

He was suspended by the Lakapi Samoa Board when the allegations surfaced, with the review of the suspension due last December. 

The former head coach is facing charges of unlawful sexual connection, attempted sexual violation, sexual conduct with a person under 16, indecent assault and common assault. 

He denied all the charges.