Appearing in the Fasi Magistrate's Court this morning, June10, was the Chief Clerk of the Tongan Legislature, Dr Viliami Uasike Latu, facing charges of assault and bodily harm of a young woman.

Dr Latu appeared in front of Police Magistrate Latu Mohenoa.

The two charges were brought by Monalisa Palu who claimed that she was assaulted, inflicting on her bodily harm, on the morning of Thursday, May 22.

Ms Palu, who was present in court, made a submission for the case to be submitted to the Supreme Court since it had been adjourned for about two weeks.

Police Magistrate Latu Mohenoa accepted the submission and ruled for the case to be submitted to the Supreme Court, and a hearing date was set for Tuesday, June 17.

Dr Latu was an unsuccessful parliamentary candidate from Vava'u during the April Parliamentary Election. He was then elected by the House as the Chief Clerk for the 2008-10 session.

The accused was represented by Kelepi Piukala.