15-year-old faces manslaughter trial [1]
Monday, May 30, 2005 - 18:30. Updated on Friday, May 9, 2014 - 12:05.
Satini Tomu Napa'a 15, appeared in the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court this morning, May 30 charged with manslaughter.
The Crown alleged that on the evening of April 10, 2004, at Fua'amotu the defendant was returning with a friend from a church program when a Bangladesh national, Konggrid Phoput, approached them on the road.
It was alleged that Konggrid took the defendant by the hand and led him towards the site of Dr Wong's unfinished hotel where he was working. When they got near to the site it was alleged that the older man told Napa'a that he wanted to perform a sinful act on him, to which suggestion the defendant replied no, and punched him on his face. The man fell and hit his head on the road suffering severe injuries to his head. He was rushed to Vaiola Hospital where he died the following day, April 11.
The four-day trial by jury is presided over by Hon. Chief Justice Robin Webster, and it is expected to be concluded by Thursday June 2.
The Legal Counsel for the Crown, Sione Sisifa told the jurors in his opening submission that if they do not find the defendant guilty of manslaughter, there was a second charge of grevious bodily harm.
The defendant is represented by legal counsel Siosifa Tuíutafaiva.