Justice Tafaoimalo Leilani Tuala-Warren

The letter relates to the bail hearing for one of two men accused of plotting to kill the prime minister.

It was sent to the chief executive of Courts Administration and copied to other members of the judicary.

Last week Prime Minister Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi said Justice Tafaoimalo Leilani Tuala-Warren leaked the letter's contents in court.

But defence lawyer Unasa Iuni Sapolu said its author and content only surfaced when requested by the prosecution, who were acting on behalf of the prime minister.

Uimaitua Papali'i of Sapapali'i was sentenced by Supreme Court Justice Tafaoimalo Leilani Tuala-Warren to life imprisonment after a panel of assessors found him guilty of the murder of Tavita Mauafu last Thursday.

Papalii had told the court during the hearing that he was trying to defend himself against the deceased when the knife he was carrying pierced his neck.

He also told the court that he had gone to Mauafu's home with a knife because he wanted to hurt him.