The conviction of three men charged with manslaughter in the Samoa Supreme Court last week has again raised concern over locally produced alcoholic beverages.
Justice Tologatā Tafaoimālō Leilani Tuala-Warren warned against excessive consumption of ‘’locally produced Rover Vodka’’ during sentencing in a case from Samaleulu, Savaii.
‘’This case brings to the fore yet again the dangers of excess consumption of locally produced Rover Vodka for which there is insufficient public awareness,’’ she said.
She urged the relevant authorities to address the issue which has featured regularly in criminal behavior coming before the courts.
The three men defendants were found guilty of manslaughter in the stoning death of a 38 year old father of seven in August last year.
“The unnecessary loss of life in this case is tragic and incalculable.”
The judge sentenced the trio to 3 years and four months each at Tanumalala prison.
