Tohitangi Manu, of Kolofo'’ou appeared at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court yesterday, September 27, charged with manslaughter by negligence.

It was alleged that due to his reckless driving on Monday 8 February, 2003 he caused the death of 13-year-old 'Asipeli Vaipulu of Sopu.

Tohitangi , a man in his mid-40s, also faces two alternative charges for driving without due care or attention to the person using the road, and drunken driving.

The Crown filed these two alternative charges in case the accused was found not guilty on the charge of manslaughter by negligence.

The trial by a seven-member jury is presided over by Mr Justice A Ford. The legal counsel for the Crown is Linda Simiki and the defendant is represented by Siosifa Tu'utafaiva.

The Crown will call 16 witnesses and the trial is expected to finish on Thursday September 30.