No chance for repeat offender

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 06 August 2016, 12:00AM

Failure to learn your lessons in life can hit you hard.

For 29-year-old male Vaitu’u Ah To, that’s precisely what happened to him when he appeared in the District Court this week.

 Ah To had faced charges in relation to willful damage and being drunk in public places before where he was let off.

So when he showed up again this time before Judge Vaepule Vaemoa Vaai, he was not given another chance.

Ah To was arrested by Police on 4 May 2016 when a 59-year-old businesswoman filed a complaint against him and his behaviour.

According to the Police summary of facts, the complainant owns a barber shop at Vaitele. 

On 4 May 2016, the accused was drinking with some of his friends in front of the shop. He smashed the shop’s window while one of the complainant’s employees looked on.

The matter was referred to Police that day and the accused was apprehended.  The damage cost $500.

Lawyer Iliganoa Atoa represented the National Prosecution Office. 

“We were arguing with other guys that day,” he said.

Ah To apologised to the Court for his behaviour saying he was extremely remorseful for what had happened.

But Judge Vaepule was not convinced. He reminded the defendant that it was not the first time he has appeared in Court for the same offense. What’s more, he cannot be remorseful as he has yet to apologise to the shop owner.  “Therefore you are sentenced to four months imprisonment.”

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 06 August 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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