21 Jun 2014

Samoa PM wanted leniency for Lima

10:25 am on 21 June 2014

The Samoa Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, asked a judge to show leniency when sentencing rugby legend Brian Lima, who is convicted of assaulting his ex wife and her partner.

Lima was found guilty last month of five charges including causing grievous bodily harm, being armed with a dangerous weapon and issuing threats.

Judge Ida Malosi, sentenced Lima on Friday to two years supervision, and has required him to undergo counselling.

Our correspondent, Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia, says there were ten references given to the judge asking for leniency, including Tuilaepa in his capacity as the chair of the Samoa Rugby Union.

"He made this reference in asking for leniency of the court for Brian Lima, not for what he did, because he goes against what he did, that means the offence, but in support of him as a person."

Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia says Lima's ex-wife, Lemalu Sina Retzlaff, and her eldest son also asked the judge to show Lima leniency at the sentencing on Friday.