A former Samoan parliamentary deputy speaker and newly announced election candidate for the HRPP party has been convicted and sentenced to a four-year jail term by the Supreme Court.
Tuilagi Motutoa Vavae Leo II admitted to one count of attempting to rape a 24-year-old woman.
The imprisonment also rules Tuilagi out of next year's general election.
Our correspondent in Apia, Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia, says the court ruling isn't likely to impact much on the Human Rights Protection Party's campaign plans.
"The reputation of the party is very high. There's quite a lot of support for the ruling party. However the defendant is one of the long-time supporters of the HRPP where he was Deputy Speaker at the time when he was a Member of Parliament."
