A man, labeled by the High Court as a “Vicious Attacker”, after he attacked a woman when she refused his sexual advances was jailed for 20 months and placed on 5 years probation.

Siua Sausaulele, convicted of second degree assault, was initially charged with felonious restraint, second degree assault and public peace disturbance. He pleaded guilty to assault second degree while the government moved to dismiss the remaining charges.

Sentencing was handed down by Associate Justice Lyle L Richmond who was accompanied by Associate Judge Mamea Sala Jr.

Sausaulele apologized to the victim who was present in the court room. The court heard the defendant say he is remorseful of his actions. He added that he not contemplate anything would happen the night in question.

“May you find the heart to forgive me for what I did to you”, said the defendant. Sausaulele’s wife, who was in tears, also took the stand and apologized to the victim on behalf of her husband.

Assistant Public Defender Mike White told the court this matter is an isolated case, and the defendant has no prior criminal record. He said that the defendant wished to convey his deepest apologies to the victim.

He added that the defendant is a business man and he’s married. “He lost his temper and reacted without thinking. The defendant also spent six months in jail”, said White.

Deputy Attorney General Mitzie Jessop Folau presented the court with a photo of the victim the night the incident happened. The photo showed the victim crying, with a laceration on her forehead that had required eight stitches.

The Deputy AG said that on the night in question there was a party and alcohol was involved.

“The victim was looking for a ride to go to a relative’s house when the defendant voluntarily offered to drop the victim off. “Instead of going to the victim’s relatives home the defendant drove to the M&O strip, where he attempted sexual advances on the victim and when she refused— this was the outcome (referring to the photo). “The defendant took it very badly and instead attacked her”.

Folau said we are Polynesian people who are God fearing and we are quick to remember God when in time of need, however the defendant did not remember God when he attacked the victim. She added the victim suffered a permanent scar on her forehead.

Folau noted that the victim was in fear when the defendant was out on bail, and she said the victim is planning to move off island because of what happened to her.

The Deputy AG said the government does not object to probation,but what the defendant did was a vicious attack and a jail term is appropriate for this matter.

Richmond agreed that this is an isolated case and it was out of character, but it was still a vicious attack.

Sausaulele was sentenced to five years in jail, however sentence was suspended and the defendant was placed on five years probation under the following conditions: that he serve 20 months in jail; pay restitution; undergo and complete Alcohol Counseling; undergo and complete Anger Management Counseling; and remain a law abiding citizen.

He is not allowed to consume any alcohol, or congregate with anyone who is drinking alcohol; is subject to random alcohol testing, random search of his vehicle, home and property, and he cannot leave the territory unless authorized by the court.