Tonga jury acquits man of fork murder [1]
Wednesday, March 3, 2004 - 12:15. Updated on Monday, May 5, 2014 - 11:54.
Tamasi Kailahi, (23) of Holonga, Tongatapu, walked out a free man from the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court on March 2, after a jury dismissed the Murder and Causing grevious bodily harm charges against him.
Tamasi was accused of killing Folau Faupula 32, also of Holonga with a barbecue fork on September 21, 2002.
Tamasi told the court that during a rum drinking session at Holonga a fist fight broke out between the deceased and a friend, Masima. Tamasi said that he tried to help Masima, but they were both beaten by Folau.
Police officer Naufahu told the court that during the fight the accused got hold of a double claw stainless steel barbecue fork and stabbed the deceased. He was rushed to the Vaiola hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. Naufahu said that Dr. Siale Akauola, reported that the fork penetrated through the left ribs causing internal injury to the liver and caused the death.
The defence submitted the defendant acted in a manner of self-defence and that the deceased had caused extreme provocation.
The jury also found the accused not guilty of the second count, Manslaughter. This also clears the accused of Grevious Bodily Harm, which is associated with Manslaughter.
The counselor for the accused was Sifa Tutafaiva, and the Crown counselor was 'Aminiasi Kefu.
This four-day trial which began on February 25 was presided over by Chief Justice Ward. The jury included four men and three women.