A MAN who assaulted a Bangladeshi inside his shop in the Mokolo Building at Lord Howe settlement in Centra Honiara is likely to take his plea this week.
Willie Lui, 27, is facing one count of Assault Causing Actual Bodily Harm.
It was heard in court last week that Lui’s lawyer made a proposal to the prosecution to reduce the charge, but the prosecution refused it, stating that they would maintain the original charge.
The defence therefore sought an adjournment to allow for further negotiations.
The matter returned to court on Tuesday, when the court would hear an update on the status of the negotiations.
If the negotiations are unsuccessful, the defendant will enter a plea to the original charge. If the negotiations are successful, the prosecution may consider reducing the charge.
The complainant, a 47-year-old citizen of Bangladesh, serves as the shop manager of the 3 Star shop located in the Mokolo Building.
It was alleged that on 30 July this year at around 5pm, the defendant entered the shop while under the influence of liquor.
The complainant then called his brother, who was in their other shop in the same building, to come and speak with the defendant not to cause disturbance in the shop.
The complainant’s brother arrived and warned the defendant to leave the premises, and the defendant subsequently.
An hour later, the defendant returned to the shop, requesting the complainant to go closer to him, but the complainant declined, saying he was busy counting money at the cashier’s desk.
The defendant then approached the complainant and punched him.
The punch landed on the complainant’s nose and left eye, and he incurred a bleeding nose.
A security from the building went to the scene, and the defendant fled.
The complainant reported the incident to the police, and the defendant was later arrested.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
