A MAN accused of the murder of a 26-year-old man with disability at Small Hae in West Russell, Central Islands Province, last December will enter his plea on August 26.
The adjournment was made after the prosecution confirmed that the disclosures served on the defence counsel were complete disclosures.
The defendant, Willie Atkin Wate, 40, is charged with one count of murder in relation to this murder case.
On Tuesday, the prosecution informed the court that complete disclosures were served on the defence counsel.
Defence counsel Rochelle Palmer from the Public Solicitor’s Office confirmed receiving the disclosures and asked for a seven-day adjournment.
This is to obtain instruction for plea and to confirm the type of committal hearing they opt for in this matter.
As a result, the matter was adjourned till August 26 for plea and confirmation of the type of committal hearing to be conducted on this matter.
It is alleged that Wate attacked the deceased, breaking his hands and neck before carrying his body into the mangroves for disposal.
A witness, a person with disability (deaf & dumb) who had been looking for a smoke at Wate’s house, saw the incident whilst hiding behind a tree.
The witness was too afraid to report what he had seen until February 19 this year when he told a church priest.
On 31 May, a woman collecting shells in the mangroves stumbled upon a human skull.
She took the skull to her village and showed it to her mother.
Later, relatives of the missing person searched the area and found more human bones, including a black T-shirt.
The remains are believed to be those of their missing relative.
Wate was then arrested and charged.
Public Prosecutor Olivia Ratu Manu is prosecuting in this matter.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
