Two assessors in the trial of manslaughter accused, Aisake Vana Junior, found him not guilty while one found him guilty of the charge.

Junior, 39, is charged for the alleged manslaughter of his younger brother over a bowl of dhal.

The case was on trial before judge Justice Vincent Perera.

Charge:

It is alleged that Junior on April 5, 2016 at Nasinu had an argument with his younger brother Suliasi Veisere over a bowl of dhal. The younger brother allegedly threw a punch at the accused before he was allegedly stabbed in retaliation.

Closing submissions

State prosecutor Shirley Tivao while delivering her closing submissions said that Junior’s evidence was inconsistent.

She said: “The whole 140mm knife was stuck into the deceased’s back.

“Can you believe evidence that was self-serving?” she addressed the court.

She told the court that according to the caution interview statement, Junior had stated that he ran towards the deceased.

However, she said in his testimony on Tuesday, the accused had said that the deceased ran towards him.

Defence lawyer Nemani Tuifagalele said that what had transpired that morning was a spur of the moment which led to the accused’s brother’s death.

He further stated that the defence maintained that it was not a deliberate or intentional act.

The judgment is expected to be delivered today.

Edited by Caroline Ratucadra

Feedback:  jessica.savike@fijisun.com.fj