Lack of evidence results in acquittal

Tevita Lisiate (23) of Ha’ateiho was found not guilty of causing grievous bodily harm, due to insufficient evidence. It was alleged that he threw a stone that caused permanent blindness in a young woman’s right eye. A rock landed on her face. She didn't see who had thrown it, said the judge. There was no evidence as to the circumstances in which Tevita Lisiate was arrested. “If these observations on basic trial preparation are ignored, then victims of crime will continue to be denied a voice in the Criminal Justice System,” said the Judge.