MEMBER of Parliament for Lau/Mbaelelea Augustine Auga has been cleared off all criminal charges on Wednesday in the Honiara Magistrates Court.
This was after the common assault charges against Auga were withdrawn following a reconciliation that was conducted with the victims.
The charges were withdrawn under section 35 of the Magistrate’s Court Act which encourages the reconcilement of any matter that has been reconciled.
The intimidation charge against him was also withdrawn due to insufficient evidence to sustain the charge against the MP.
Public Prosecutor Willie Vaiyu made an application to withdraw the intimidation charge under section 190 (2) (b) (i) of the Criminal Procedure Code.
The application was made due to insufficient evidence to sustain the charge against Auga.
One of the common assault charges was withdrawn on the last court hearing while the other common assault and intimidation charges were withdrawn yesterday.
On Wednesday, one of the victims into the other common assault charge appeared in court and confirmed the reconciliation and that he is happy with it.
Deputy Chief Magistrate Shepherd Lapo having satisfied with the victim’s confirmation of the reconciliation dismissed the charge.
He then told Auga he is now a free man.
Auga has been charged in relation to incidents last November at Burns Creek settlement.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN