District Court Judge, Alalatoa Rosella Papalii has ordered a victim impact report on the case of the boy who died two years ago from Safotu Savaii.
This case involves Reverend Poasa Leaupepe who assaulted the boy. The defendant appeared in the District Court today for criminal mention.
Earlier this month the Supreme Court granted a motion by the prosecution to reduce the manslaughter charge to assault against Reverend Leaupepe after the autopsy report confirmed the young boy died from leukemia complications.
The defendant was initially charged with manslaughter, grievous bodily harm, and actual bodily harm, however, pleaded guilty to the reduced charge of assault from the felony country of manslaughter.
The rest of the criminal charges were withdrawn.
Judge Papalii today adjourned the matter to 4 July, 2022 for sentencing and ordered a victim’s impact report to be submitted for a review by the court.
The incident occurred in February 2020 at Safotu, where the defendant serves as a Church Minister. The police report says Reverend Leaupepe assaulted the victim, and a few weeks later the boy died at the hospital.
This matter is also on the calendar of the District Court for an inquest hearing.