Hearing on minimum term for parole in Oct 1
HEARING of submissions for the minimum term for parole for a convicted murderer is set for October 1.
The defendant Michael Tate was found guilty of one count of murder of a 15 year old boy at Kukum, East Honiara in 2022 after a trial and was sentenced to life imprisonment.
However, the period Tate will spend in prison before he is eligible for parole will be argued and discussed in court on October 1.
Judge Talasasa will then set a date to deliver his ruling on the period Tate will spend in prison before he can apply for parole.
Prosecution had called eight witnesses at the trial and tendered exhibits and witnesses’ statements by consent while Tate chose to remain and did not call any witness for the defence case at the trial.
The murder incident occurred on 7 August in 2022 at Kukum, when Tate whipped the deceased with a branch from a fallen raintree.
This was after the teenager and another boy allegedly stole a bag from a car parked in front of a shop at Kukum.
The raintree branch strikes by Tate allegedly landed on the deceased’s head, shoulders, ribs, back and legs.
After the beatings, the deceased escaped towards the Mbua Valley School and exited through the Ports housing area before collapsing onto the main road towards Mbua Valley.
The deceased was assisted by the police to the National Referral Hospital where he was pronounced dead the following day.
Schottler Kwaiga of L & L Lawyers represents Tate whilst Public Prosecutor Patricia Tabepuda Waisanau is prosecuting.
Mrs Waisanau is being assisted by her colleague Myrella Cleven.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
Trial on MV Taimareho incident to resume
TRIAL on the matter of the Master/Captain of MV Taimareho 1 who faces multiple manslaughter charges after 27 people were swept overboard in 2020, will resume on October 1.
From the 27 people missing in sea, only six bodies have been recovered after this sea tragedy.
The defendant Michael Roy Galo is facing trial for 27 counts of manslaughter before Judge Ronald Bei Talasasa Jnr.
Prosecution has called two prosecution witnesses when the trial started last week before Judge Ronald Bei Talasasa.
After the evidence of the second prosecution witness, Judge Talasasa adjourned the matter to October 1 for continuation of the trial.
Prosecution has about 17 more witnesses to call at the trial.
The High Court is currently on a two weeks’ vacation.
The vacation will end on September 27 and normal court sittings for all cases will resume on September 30.
Galo is facing charges in relation to a sea incident that occurred in the early hours of 3 April 2020 at sea between Guadalcanal and Malaita.
Prosecution alleged that Galo who was said to be the ship’s master at that time set out the ship despite the bad weather.
In March 2020, the Government came up with a repatriation plan amid fears of the COVID-19 which saw a huge number of people in Honiara leaving for the provinces.
On the night of 2 April 2020, MV Taimareho 1 left Honiara with 738 passengers despite warnings from the Maritime advising vessels not to travel to provinces due to Cyclone Harold.
On its voyage to Are-are in Malaita, huge waves struck the ship during the night and swept 27 people overboard.
The ship continued its voyage and arrived at Su’u Harbour, West Kwaio on the morning of 3 April 2020.
A head count was conducted and 27 passengers were missing.
They are mostly high school students.
Only six bodies were recovered.
Public Solicitor George Gray represents Galo whilst Public Prosecutor Steward Tonowane is prosecuting.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
