The High Court released a defendant on bail and on his own recognizance for his own safety on Wednesday.
Samoa News reports that Associate Justice Fiti Sunia released Sopi Senio after learning that he had been shot by an inmate of the Territorial Correctional Facility at Tafuna.
Senio was appearing on charges of violating his probation conditions and for failing to turn up when his case was last called several months ago.
Assistant Public Defender Rob McNeill denied the allegations and asked the court to release his client on his own recognizance, saying he will make sure Senio makes all of his future court appearances.
“That’s exactly why he was arrested because he failed to appear in court when his case was called a few months ago,” Sunia said.
The lawyer explained that his client had been shot and injured by an inmate last year which meant he couldn’t walk.
Justice Sunia voiced concern at the information from the defense attorney and for the safety of Senio if remanded in custody.
He said the only option is to release him from TCF but he must appear in court the next time the matter is called.
“If you fail at anytime to appear in court, the court’s concern for your safety is gone and you will be ordered to go back to TCF,” Sunia warned.
Senio is scheduled to reappear March 8 for his next hearing.
