Jone Vakarisi, who was accused of assaulting his wife last year, has been acquitted by the High Court in Suva.

He appeared before Justice Thushara Rajasinghe, represented by Nemani Tuifagalele.

Vakarisi was charged with three counts of an act with intent to cause grievous harm, one count of assault causing actual bodily harm.

His wife told the court that they had been married for 12 years and have four children.

When questioned by State prosecutor, Wakesa Elo she said her sister had pressured her into lodging the complaint.

Justice Rajasinghe told the complainant that this was not a romantic court, but a court of law.

She then retracted her Police statement saying it was not true and that she did not want to say anything further.

Accordingly, Justice Rajasinghe then acquitted Vakarisi from the charges against him.

He also advised him that if Vakarisi did commit the offence, then he should be ashamed of himself as a man.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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