Three of the five youths of Nausori involved in a murder last year, have been acquitted by Suva High Court Judge Justice Salesi Temo this morning.

The three, Isireli Naulivou, Lolohea Kaulotu and Filipe Jitoko, along with two others were alleged to have on the 16th of May last year assaulted and murdered Simione Naulivou at around 8pm at the Makoi Methodist School while Naulivou was on his way back home from work.

Justice Temo while reading out his ruling this morning, told the trio that he agreed with assessors who said they did not take part in the actual assault which led to the death of the victim, however were just drinking with the two others who have been found guilty of the murder.

Meanwhile, Justice Temo addressing the other two accused, Mesulame Waqabaca and Tiko Uate, stressed that they had taken away the life of a sole breadwinner of a family, who was not doing anything to affect their drinking party.

The Court heard that Waqabaca had seen the victim and called Uate and the two then assaulted Naulivou, who died as a result of severe brain damage.

Justice Temo then stressed to those in the Courtroom that a lesson needed to be sent out to the youths in society today that if you drink, get drunk and be happy but do not get drunk and go onto the streets and assault members of the public who are innocent.

Justice Temo then said that the two were likely to face a minimum of 13 years imprisonment as a strong message and has adjourned his ruling until next Friday.
 

Story by: Paradise Tabucala