Former Deputy Secretary of Justice pleads not guilty to manslaughter by negligence [1]
Friday, January 20, 2012 - 18:49. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
Vatulele Tuputupu (40) from Niutoua, pleaded not guilty to charges of manslaughter by negligence while driving under the influence of alcohol causing the death of 'Ana Toki (47) a passenger, in a car accident at Lapaha on August 1, 2011.
A former Deputy Secretary of Justice, Tuputupu appeared before Justice Robert Shuster at the Supreme Court on January 20 and pleaded not guilty to manslaughter by negligence and an alternative charge of causing death while driving under the influence of alcohol.
The defendant, represented by Laki Niu, chose to be tried by judge and jury. The case was adjourned to February 10 for a trial date to be set.
It is alleged that he was driving under the influence of alcohol in a government car and the victim was a passenger, also from Niutoua. The vehicle was traveling northwards along Taufa'ahau Road and collided with the back of a heavy equipment vehicle that was parked on the left side of Taufa'ahau Road at Lapaha.
'Ana Toki suffered serious injuries, including multiple fractures to chest and head injuries, and died at the scene.
It is understood that the defendant was driving the deceased, after she asked him to drop off her sons at Tupou College at Toloa.