Mafoa'aeata Latu (26) was sentenced to three-years and three-months imprisonment after being convicted for reckless driving that caused the death of his passenger ‘Aisake Lavelua on Hihifo Road at Fo'ui, in March this year.

Lord Chief Justice O. G. Paulsen during sentencing on August 24 said the prisoner and others were drinking alcohol at Kanokupolu, which continued to his house on March 3.

The prisoner drove his car with four other passengers to get more alcohol later that evening. On the way back, he was driving at high speed and lost control hitting a power pole on the right side of the road. The car flipped onto its left side skidding into a tree, where it flipped back to its normal state, he said.

The 36-year-old victim who was thrown from the car died on March 5 at Vaiola Hospital from the injuries sustained.

Meanwhile, another passenger who was unconscious in the car suffered a fractured cervical spine and soft tissue injuries, spending six-weeks at Vaiola Hospital. She is still suffering effects from her injuries and is receiving treatment.

“Reckless disregard for the safety of his passengers, excessive speed and excessive alcohol consumption all contributed to Latu losing control of his car resulting in the collision.”

The court heard this prisoner had a long-term ongoing problem with alcohol and was, until the offending, a seasonal worker to Australia. His contract had now been terminated.

Since the offending, Latu was married and had a child.

The Chief Justice accepted he was remorseful for his conduct, had made attempts to deal with his alcohol problems and reconciled with the family of the deceased, whom he had apologized to.

After taking into account his guilty plea, which he gave at the first opportunity, he suspended the final 15-months of his sentence upon conditions.

On a second count of reckless driving causing grievous harm, he was sentenced to 18-months, which is being served concurrently with the lead count.