Govt official on trial for road death [1]
Monday, April 10, 2017 - 18:08
Poasi Ngaluafe (49) a senior officer working with the Ministry of Fisheries who is charged with causing the death of a man while driving under the influence of alcohol in May last year, had his case adjourned to 26 April.
The trial at the Supreme Court that started on 4 April was adjourned to allow counsel time to make submissions (arguments) on a point of law before judgment.
The accused is charged with causing death while driving with alcohol his body in excess of 250 micrograms per litre of breath, contrary to section 26A(1) of the Traffic Act (Cap 156), causing the death of Uini Kava (46) of Tofoa.
The accident occured on May 8, 2016 at around 2am in the morning.
The accused also faces an alternative count of driving a motor vehicle while under influence of drink.
The Crown had submitted that the victim was seen by an eyewitness allegedly sitting in the middle of the left lane of the road towards Tu’atakilangi. He did not pass out but was nodding his head like he was falling asleep, the court heard.
The Crown called three witnesses including the eyewitness and doctor, while the defence did not give any evidence.
The trial was held before Hon Mr Justice Cato.