19 year old on trial for Houma murder [1]
Thursday, May 6, 2010 - 20:34. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
TUPOU Vaivai Pole'o Palu (19) of Houma appeared at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court this week accused of the murder of Silivesiteli Tonga'uiha in Houma on August 9, 2009.
The defendant who pleaded not guilty to murder appeared at the start of his jury trial on Monday, May 3, before Mr Justice Shuster.
The court was told that the murder took place at the Blow Holes at Houma on the night of August 9 where the defendant was drinking alcohol with the deceased, also from Houma, and others.
It said that they got into an argument that resulted in the defendant attacking the deceased and it is alleged that he hit him on the head with first with a bottle and then with a stick.
The victim died due to the severe injuries to his head caused by the attack.
The jury trial is expected to run for the rest of the week as Senior Crown Counsel Sione Sisifa calls more witnesses to give evidence.