Naitasiri Under-19 rugby lock, Keresi Maya, has filed a motion for a permanent stay on proceedings in the Magistrates Court in Nausori.

Maya is facing a charge of assault causing actual bodily harm.

It is alleged that Maya on August 29, punched the referee, Peni Talemaivavalagi, during the match between Naitasiri and Tailevu at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori.

The matter was called before Justice Thushara Rajasinghe, yesterday, at the High Court in Suva.

Maya, had been penalised by the Fiji Rugby Union with a ban of six years from all levels of rugby in Fiji and abroad following the alleged assault.

Sevuloni Valenitabua told the court that his client was already penalised and if the proceedings in the Magistrates Court continued, and Maya was found guilty and convicted, then he would be penalised again.

State respondent from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Yogesh Prasad told the court that the state would be objecting to the action and would file the submissions of objection.

Mr Valenitabua will be filing his submissions on or before November 23 and Mr Prasad will be filing his response on or before December 14.

The matter will be called for hearing on January 20, 2021.

Edited by Selita Bolanavanua

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