A 24-year-old man charged over the death of another in April of 2020 has finally requested legal assistance from the Legal Aid Commission on June 13.
Ledua Vakaloloma appeared before Justice Siainiu Fa’alogo Bull charged with one count of murder.
The deceased had left home to watch a rugby match with his friends on April 4 and failed to return home.
He had accompanied some friends to a motel where they were allegedly confronted by another group of men and a fight ensued between the two parties.
He was allegedly struck by a metal object.
Mr Vakaloloma told Ms Bull that he had changed his mind after informing the court on the last occasion to represent himself over the matter.
He also informed the court that a formal bail application was ready to be filed and alibi notice.
On May 20 this year, Mr Vakaloloma, who is charged with the murder of Lemeki Duidomo, waived his right to counsel despite Justice Bull’s advice that he seeks proper legal assistance from either a private lawyer or the Legal Aid Commission due to the severity of the charge.
Justice Bull on the same day reminded him that if convicted he could be sentenced to life imprisonment.
Meanwhile, Legal Aid lawyer Inoke Masi informed the court that he would handle the matter present before the court.
Justice Bull is granting an adequate timeframe for the accused to file proper legal assistance from the commission before a plea is taken.
Mr Masi is seeking 14 days for his client’s plea to be recorded.
Justice Bull was informed that the DPP officer in charge was working on the post-mortem examination report.
The case was adjourned to July 11 and the accused has been remanded in custody.
