Verdicts on Sione Feimoefiafi murder case this week [1]
Monday, September 14, 2020 - 19:49
The verdicts on four men charged in the death of Sione Feimoeafi (49) trial will be delivered on Wednesday, September 16 at the Supreme Court.
The trial ended on September 11 with the final submissions by counsel. Hon Mr Justice Cato reserved his verdict for Wednesday.
At the start of the trial on August 31, two of the five men, Siafa Nai and Kona’i Bloomfield pleaded not guilty to one count each of murder.
They also pleaded not guilty to alternative counts of manslaughter and causing grievous bodily harm.
Manslaughter charges
A third accused, Vilaketi Bloomfield pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and in the alternative causing grievous bodily harm and common assault.
Tangi Tiufilusi Nai pleaded not guilty to two counts of causing grievous bodily harm and serious causing bodily harm. However, he pleaded guilty to a third count of common assault.
While, Sione Bloomfield who was charged with one count pleaded guilty to common assault.
The victim from Puke and Portland, USA was visiting family in Tonga when this tragedy occurred on February 4, 2019.
He was fatally injured in the beatings alleged to have been committed by the accused at and outside the Tali‘eva Bar in broad daylight in the Nuku'alofa CBD.