MURDER ACCUSED WILLING TO PLEAD GUILTY ON LESSER CHARGE
A 35-year-old farmer, who is alleged to have murdered a 21-year-old in Tailevu, is willing to plead guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter.
Setareki Ratatagia appeared before Justice Daniel Goundar yesterday. He is charged with one count of murder. The alleged incident happened on February 3 at Namuka Village in Bau, Tailevu. The accused allegedly assaulted a 21-year-old victim whereby he fell from the village seawall.
The deceased was rushed to the Nausori Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Ratatagia has pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder.
Justice Goundar asked the defence lawyer, David Toganivalu, whether the accused was willing to take a progressive approach to the lesser offence. Mr Toganivalu told the court that the accused had indicated that he was willing to plead guilty to the charge of manslaughter. He also told the court that he wished to make legal representations to the Director of Public Prosecutions by tomorrow. Justice Goundar said it was entirely up to the State to accept the guilty plea of manslaughter. He adjourned the case to July 27 to check on the plea of the lesser charge. >Ashna Kumar