The man charged with Police Minister Peter Shanel in relation to an assault charge has yesterday pleaded guilty to the allegation against him.
Steven Wako has entered a guilty plea to the charge of assault causing actual bodily harm before Acting Deputy Chief Magistrate Shepherd Lapo.
Sentencing submissions and mitigation on his case will be made in court on August 17.
He pleaded guilty to assaulting a man on 17 December, 2013 at Shanel’s Lengakiki residence.
The victim who is from Malaita is married to a woman from Mamasa village in Central Guadalcanal and resides there with their seven children.
Prosecution alleged that the alleged victim, his wife and seven children are registered voters of ward 19 in the Vulolo area at which Shanel was their Parliament Member.
On that day of the incident, the victim was at Shanel’s residence following a promise made by Shanel to pay $4,600 for the completion of his house at Mamasa.
According to the police allegation, the alleged victim was frustrated on that day because the promise was said to have been long overdue.
The MP allegedly promised the alleged victim that money way back in 2011.
The victim was talking loudly when Wako assaulted him causing bruises on his face.
Prosecution alleged Shanel then intervened and also allegedly assaulted the victim.
Shanel however have denied the assault charge on a previous court appearance.
He will appear again in court on August 18, where a pre-trial conference will be conducted on his case followed by the setting of a trial date.
Francis Waleilia of Tandai Lawyers represents Shanel while Wayne Ghemu of Public Solicitor’s Office.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
