Court order ignored, warrant of arrest issued

By Deidre Fanene 21 January 2017, 12:00AM

Chief Justice His Honour Patu Tiava’asu’e Falefatu Sapolu has issued a warrant of arrest for one Sinivao Solomona.

Solomona is wanted after he failed to appear before the Court when the charges against him were called for mention.

Solomona was one of the two defendants who were ordered by the Court in December last year to be placed under Police custody to await their hearing.

But when the matter was called, the Chief Justice was surprised to find that the men had been released on bail.

The Prosecutor told the Court Solomona had been released, hence the reason he failed to show up.

Chief Justice Patu was not impressed.

He checked the court files and confirmed that the Court had issue an order for Solomona to be remanded in custody as well as his co-defendant.

“How can Tafaigata release Mr. Solomona on bail when the Court has ordered that he should be placed in custody?” His Honour asked.

“No wonder why the accused is not in this morning because he should have been in custody as ordered by the Court.”

It was then that Chief Justice Patu issued a warrant for his arrest.

In a different hearing, the police also failed to bring another defendant from Tafaigata.

The Prosecutor apologised for the failure.

But Chief Justice Patu would not have any of it.

“This was the same excuse presented before Court last year and it seems to be continuing this year,” he said.

The prosecutor requested a two-week adjournment which was granted.

By Deidre Fanene 21 January 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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