Fau Vake lost his life as a result of injuries suffered in a brutal attack earlier this year. He was just 25-years-old.
A man who admitted being part of the attack got his punishment this week and was sentenced to six months of home detention for each of two charges, to be served concurrently.
29-year-old Ofa Folau pleaded guilty to two representative charges of assault with intent to injure, according to the report.
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Folau was involved in the early stages of the attack but is not responsible for Vake’s death, the court heard.
“The Crown doesn’t allege you are responsible but it is likely he received similar injuries from your assault,” said Justice Michael Robinson.
The report continues:
“Folau chased Ika Vake and “advanced” on him, backing him into an alcove of a shop, the court heard.
He then punched him in the head with his left hand using an enclosed fist, then took hold of him and struck him a second time in the head, using an enclosed fist, the court heard.
He then ran towards Fau Vake, who was being held by another man, and struck him three times in the head with a closed fist.
Fau Vake’s injuries included concussion, cuts, bruising and abrasions.”
“It seems highly likely you contributed to these injuries,” Justice Robinson said.
The Vake brothers did not throw any punches themselves, they were not the “aggressors”, Crown lawyer Claire Paterson said.
Alcohol abuse was said to be the primary cause od Folau’s action, to which he is actively seeking treatment, the court heard.
Justice Robinson said he accepts Folau’s genuine remorse but said “being drunk” is not an excuse.
