Guilty Plea

The Samoa Observer reports the 38-year-old pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter and one count of being armed with a dangerous weapon, through her lawyer.

Supreme Court Justice, Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma, noted the plea and adjourned the matter for the parties to prepare pre-sentencing documents by March 8.

According to a report received by the Police, initially the mother beat her 11-year-old daughter, who ran off and angered the mother.

Police say the defendant allegedly knocked out an 18-year-old man during a fight and attempted to hide his body.

The accused appeared in the District Court on Tuesday where initial charges of Actual Bodily Harm were withdrawn.

Vaili was suspended last year from all rugby competition for six months after an incident at the Taumeasina Island Resort last year.

Photo Manu Samoa Facebook/DHL Rugby   Caption: Manu Samoa star, Johnny Va'ili

Tupou's plea was entered by his lawyer, Donald Kerslake, before District Court judge Alalatoa Rosella Papali'i.

During the proceedings, prosecuting lawyer Vaisala Afoa revealed that Tupou, who was suspended from all rugby for two weeks, had an outstanding warrant of arrest from 2016 for a separate charge of assault.

The Samoa Observer reports Judge Alalatoa granted an application by the defence counsel to cancel the warrant of arrest against Tupou and referred the matter to the Family and Violence Court.

Sentencing has been set for next Friday.