16 Jun 2017

Lawyer of Samoa's former prosecution director seeks appeal

9:50 am on 16 June 2017

The lawyer for the former director of Samoa's National Prosecution Office has requested a stay of proceedings against his client's upcoming sentence.

Mauga Precious Chang was found guilty on Monday in the Supreme Court of negligent driving causing injuries.

Our correspondent says her lawyer, former Attorney General Aumua Ming Leung Wai, requested a stay of proceedings on Wednesday with the District Court judge Rosella Papali'i.

Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia said Aumua would also make an application next week for the sentencing to be placed on hold while an appeal was mounted against the Supreme Court conviction.

"So that appeal case in the Supreme Court is going to be appealed again in the highest Appeal Court of the Supreme Court. So that's the Appeal Court presided over by three judges from New Zealand," he said.

Autagavaia said this would likely take place in October.

The courthouse in Apia, Samoa.

The courthouse in Apia, Samoa. Photo: RNZI / Sally Round