court case

The 22-year-old, who pleaded not guilty last week, is awaiting trial on two counts of battery, one count of assault and one count of misdemeanor, following an off-field altercation with Welsh players at the last month's Sevens World Cup.

Langkilde appeared in court yesterday in San Francisco for a pre-hearing conference, alongside his lawyer Joshua Bentley.

Pacific Rugby Players CEO Aayden Clarke said the player must now return to court on 15 August (US time).

Victory Lesa was charged earlier this month with stealing a gun that had been seized by police at a road block in 2013.

The road block was part of a police operation when attempts were made to disrupt air travel in and out of the country by Satapuala villagers.

Mr Lesa, who was suspended from his job at the Ministry of Justice after being charged, yesterday entered a not guilty plea.

Samoa's Chief Justice Patu Tiavasu'e Falefatu Sapolu has set 5 November for the start of the      

The accused was found guilty after a trial of three charges including one count of insulting words, armed with a dangerous weapon and throwing an object.

The charges related to a dispute during a family meeting last year.

The court has also ordered the defendant to pay US$250 for court costs and probation service.

Outside the court Faamausili said it's time for him to reconcile and bring his family together.

Last year the Lands and Titles Court ruled that Faamausili is to be the next holder of the Malietoa paramount title.

Uli Manuleleua allegedly escaped from prison with four other inmates just before Christmas last year by walking out of the high security wing of Tafa'igata Prison.

Two inmates were apprehended on the same day and a third was caught in early February.

Manuleleua was handed into authorities by family members in April this year and police reported they found marijuana leaves on him.

He now faces charges of escaping from prison and possession of a banned substance and will make a second appearance next month.

Photo source Samoa Police 

Faamausili has been found guilty of being armed with a dangerous weapon, throwing an object and using insulting words as a result of a complaint lodged with police by one of his brothers.

It stemmed from a quarrel between Faamausili and the complainant, Papalii Titi at a family meeting last year.

In her submission, the defence lawyer applied for the court to discharge her client without conviction which would allow Faamausili to avoid having a criminal record.

Fa'amausili Moli Malietoa was also found guilty by a district court judge of uttering insults and object throwing.

Fa'amausili is the son of Malietoa Tanumafili II.

The Samoa Observer reported the verdict followed a trial held earlier this year and the charges relate to a family dispute.

Fa'amausili originally faced four charges, but the charge of assault was dismissed.

Sentencing for the matter has been scheduled for 24 May.

Last December the Land and Titles Court ruled in favour of Fa'amausili getting the Malietoa title.

He is one of the prominent chiefs of Afega village, and editor in chief of the Samoa Observer news outlet.

The court has ruled the Supreme Court lacked the jurisdiction to make that declaration sought by the respondent.

The matter has been referred to the Lands and Titles court to now consider a petition filed out of the three months period against the bestowal of this title.

This comes after police filed an additional charge of causing grievous bodily harm which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail.

The president was also charged with one count of assault, armed with a dangerous weapon and actual bodily harm.

A district Court hearing today was called at 9am - an hour earlier than the usual start time.

Our correspondent said this was to avoid the media, and lawyers have questioned why the judiciary was giving special treatment to the judge's case.

The President is facing charges of assault and weapons charges in the District Court.

Papalii John Taimalelagi of the Ministry of Justice and Courts said the Chief Justice who is the chairman of the Judiciary Commission has accepted the President's application for leave.

Fepulea'i Attila Ropati, will appear in court on Tuesday.

The complainant in the case is the Ministry of Justice's night watchman.

The president is accused of actual bodily harm, assault and being armed with a dangerous weapon.

The MP for Gizo Kolombangara, Jimmy Tanangada, caused a huge upset when he unseated the then caretaker prime minister in the 2014 elections.

The Solomon Business Magazine reports the high court has declared Mr Tanangada's election null and void.

In his decision Judge Rex Foukona found the MP guilty of bribery and treating through the use of agents who supplied food for supporters during the campaign.

Justice Foukona also banned Mr Tanangada from taking part in the next general election and said he would be advising the Governor General on the outcome of the case.