BY ROMINAH FAKA
The case of man found guilty of the murder of a 15-year-old male at Kukum, Honiara in 2022 has been adjourned for October 1.
It was heard in court last week and was adjourned to allow counsels to decide on their submissions on the minimum term for parole.
The accused Michael Tate pleaded not guilty to murder and a trial was conducted in the High court before Judge Ronald Bei Talasasa Jnr.
Prosecution called eight witnesses at the trial while Tate chose to remain silent and his defence lawyer did not call any witness.
After the trial, court found Tate guilty of murder.
Court heard on August 7, 2022 at Kukum, Tate beat the deceased with a branch from a fallen raintree.
This occurred after the victim and another boy allegedly stole a bag from a car parked in front of a shop at Kukum.
Tate used the branch of the fallen raintree and struck the deceased with it, landing on his head, shoulder, ribs, back and legs.
After Tate beat the deceased, the deceased escaped towards Mbua Valley School and went through Ports housing area before he collapsed on the main road towards Mbua Valley.
The deceased was rushed to the National Referral Hospital by police officers and pronounced dead the next day.
L & L Lawyers represent accused Tate and the Office of Public Prosecution represent the crown.
