Vui Clarence Nelson

Vui Clarence Nelson declared a mistrial in the case of a woman who tried to defend herself because she could not afford a lawyer.

Newsline Samoa reported he halted court proceedings on the third day of the case against Dora Enele, who allegedly stole money from the Seabreeze Resort while working as the accounts manager.

Justice Vui said he doubted the woman had been made aware of her rights and he ordered whole new court process on the matter after the defendant was granted legal aid and instructed to employ a lawyer.

The offences happened in a village on Savaii island on two separate occasions two years ago.

The 21 year old has been imprisoned for 10 years on two counts of rape while the younger of the pair, who is nineteen, has been sentenced to 12 months in jail for incest.

The victim is under the care of the Samoa Victim Support Group.

In his decision, Justice Vui Clarence Nelson, said the actions of the brothers are clear violations of the sacred cultural values between a brother and a sister.