A 40-YEAR-OLD man has been remanded in custody yesterday for allegedly burning down three houses in east Guadalcanal last month.
Donation Tapalia faces three counts of arson in relation to an allegation on 25 October 2016 at Listara village.
The houses he allegedly burnt were made of sago palm leaves and bush materials and belonged to his two brother in-laws and mother in-law.
Public Prosecutor Maito’o Hauirae when applying to remand the accused told the court the accused’s in-laws had an argument with him.
He said following the argument the accused allegedly threatened his in-laws and in fear his in-laws left the village to live with other relatives in another village.
It was at that time that the father of six allegedly burnt down the houses.
Mr Hauirae said someone saw Tapalia sitting where the houses were burnt and he admitted he burnt down those houses.
He said Tapalia told the witness he burnt down the houses because he waited for his in-laws to come and settle a matter but they failed to turn up.
The court was also informed the accused has a previous conviction of similar charge on which he was sentenced in 2010 to two years imprisonment.
Mr Hauirae applied to the court to have Tapalia remanded in custody on the grounds of the seriousness of the offences, he has a previous conviction, absconding, interfering with prosecution witnesses, and that investigation is still continuing.
Principal Magistrate Augustine Aulanga before ruling on the application asked Tapalia if plea to the charges would wait until he finds a lawyer.
Mr Tapalia decided to see a lawyer.
Mr Aulanga then explained to Tapalia that he would be remanded for 14 days and whilst in custody he is to make a request for a lawyer through the Prison Officers.
The total value of the two burnt houses is $13,000 while another complainant is yet to assess the value of his burnt properties.
Mr Tapalia was remanded in custody until December 23 when he will return to the Honiara Magistrate’s Court.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
