A teenager’s fate lies with the state prosecution after the Supreme Court was informed that charges need to be reviewed in light of evidence that has come up after interviews with key witnesses.

Lester Feauai was 17-years-old when he was charged with manslaughter. He is alleged to have killed a man in Falefa after punching him. According to the charges, the accused had thrown only one punch. The incident took place last year.

The matter was set for trial on Monday before Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma, with seven witnesses to be presented in court.

State prosecutor Mavaiatele Timothy Fesili informed the court that there was a need to review the charges. He told the court he would need to seek the opinion of his superiors on how to proceed with the matter after key witnesses indicated a heavy element of self-defence in the case with the victim being the perpetrator.

He made an application to be granted another 24-hours for the matter to be considered.

When asked about the position of the defence, Leone Sua-Mailo informed the court that they did not object to the application for more time but would let their position be known after the court was informed on which way the prosecution would want to proceed.

Justice Roma told the prosecution that he would allow for more time for advice on the matter, but they should be ready to proceed with the trial if the advice was not to amend or withdraw charges.

The case will be called on Tuesday at 10 am. Feauai was released on bail.