'Alani Vaomotou of Vaotu'u appeared in the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court this morning charged with two offences of manslaughter by negligence and drunken driving that killed his passenger in 2007.

It was alleged that the accused on April 29, 2007 in a drunken state was driving a motor vehicle at Halaliku when he lost control of the vehicle causing it to overturn and killing his passenger, Falakiko Helu.

In appearing for his first day of jury trial he pleaded not guilty firstly to manslaughter by negligence and to an alternative charge of drunken driving.

The Crown Prosecution 'Elisapeta Lavakei'aho is expected to call nine witnesses. The accused is represented by 'Ofa Pouono.

vaomtou