7 Aug 2014

Another motor manslaugther conviction in Samoa

5:00 pm on 7 August 2014

A 62-year-old man in Samoa is the second person to be convicted and jailed for motor manslaughter since the Crimes Ordinance Act was refurbished and amended last year.

The defendant, Pati Opapo Va'alele Tapaleao, of Toamua village, is a permanent resident of New Zealand, but was visiting his family at the time of the car accident last September.

The police summary of facts reveals Tapaleao ignored a plea not to drive when he left a party extremely intoxicated.

A 59 year old man was struck and killed instantly by his car.

Tapaleao admitted to the charge and has been sentenced to three years and three months in jail.