Church Minister applies to be discharged without conviction

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 06 JULY 2022: The former Methodist Church Minister for Safotu village, Reverend Poasa Leaupepe has applied to be discharged without conviction.

The application was filed by Leaupepe’s lawyer, Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt before District Court Judge Alalatoa Rosella Papalii this week.

The defendant was supposed to be sentenced on the day he applied for an adjournment so he could file an application for a discharge without conviction.

Judge Papalii granted the adjournment and ordered to file the application in time for prosecution to respond before sentencing on 7 August 2022.

Reverend Leaupepe was originally charged with manslaughter, actual bodily harm and causing grievous bodily harm to a young man of his congregation who later died. He entered a not guilty plea.

A medical report cited in Court noted that the victim died of leukaemia and Poasa then pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of assault and the matter was referred to the District Court.

The matter was called before Judge Papalii who ordered an impact report on the accused for sentencing.

However, defence counsel asked for an adjournment so they could file a discharge without conviction application.