The Court will consider an application for an independent prosecutor for the case against a former police sergeant charged with manslaughter.
Khamtahn Stanley is jointly charged with co-defendant Ulugia Lomalasi Laufili for allegedly beating to death a 20 year old youth of Vaiusu, in November 2019 for breaking into Stanley’s home.
During Supreme Court mentions this morning, Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma said he has received an application by former Attorney General Taulapapa Brenda Heather-Latu to withdraw as prosecutor.
Assistant Attorney General Rexona Titi then told the Court that Leinafo Taimalelagi-Strickland has already filed an application to take over as prosecutor for this matter.
An independent prosecutor is being appointed because of the conflict of interest with Sergeant Stanley having been part of the Attorney General’s prosecution team for over 10 years.
Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma adjourned the matter for his consideration on the 19th of April 2021.
“I have just received a note that Taulapapa has withdrawn as prosecutor.. Therefore this matter is adjourned for consideration of Strickland’s application to take over as prosecutor,” he said
Both Stanley and Ulugia entered not guilty pleas to manslaughter through respective Counsels Steve Chan Chui and Afa Lesa.
A Court date of 20th September 2021 has been set for hearing.
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