Accused man held for trial [1]
Tuesday, September 20, 2016 - 20:13
One of the two men who was arrested and charged for attacking a 56-year-old American woman, the United States Peace Corps Director, in July was released on bail on Monday, 19 September, while his co-accused was denied bail by a Magistrate in Nuku’alofa.
The case was adjourned to Monday, October 3 for mention to set a date for its committal to the Supreme Court for trial..
Sailosi Lau’i (21) who is charged with grievous bodily harm was granted bail. Hemaloto Makafilia (23) who is similarly charged was denied bail when they appeared at the Nuku'alofa Magistrate's Court on Monday, September 19. Both accused had applied for bail which was opposed by the Crown.
Magistrate Mafi denied Hemaloto's bail stating the evidence against him was strong.
The Crown confirmed today Salosi's bail conditions included surrendering his passport to the court and reporting to the Central Police Station twice weekly.
The US Peace Corps Director was jogging on the Sopu waterfront on Saturday morning, 16 July when she was reported to have been attacked from behind and knocked to the ground. The victim was allegedly punched repeatedly on the face before the attackers fled.
The current US Peace Corps Director in Nuku'alofa is Nancy Gehron.