Rob E Dangerously 0 Report post Posted October 24, 2004 http://www.samoaobserver.ws/news/local/ln1004/2210ln007.htm Bus driver, CEO in road race, says Judge Vui By Malia Sio 22 October 2004 A bus driver and a Government chief executive engaged in some sort of road race, a judge said. It culminated with the bus driver blocking the road with his bus and throwing a coconut at the window of the chief executive's vehicle. The Government vehicle ended up with $1100 worth of damage and the bus driver ended up in the District Court. The court heard how events turned ugly. This was when bus driver Noa Pati, 38, threw the coconut at the vehicle driven by Communications and Information Technology Ministry chief executive Tuaimalo Taaga Asamu Ah Sam. The Police summary of facts said Pati overtook the Government vehicle in front of the RSA nightclub one night at Matafele. After this, Tuaimalo overtook the bus in front of the courthouse on Beach Road, before the bus again overtook him at Matautu-Uta, the Police said. However when Tuaimalo got to Moata'a, Pati had stopped his bus, blocking the road. He then threw the coconut at the oncoming vehicle, the court heard. In court, Pati, of Moata'a, pleaded guilty to throwing a coconut and causing willful damage. Senior District Court Judge Vui Clarence Nelson said Pati's bus and Tuaimalo's vehicle were engaged in some sort of 'miliga ta'avale' (car race). "It is not clear who started the exercise," Judge Vui said. "It was a very dangerous and foolish game to do on the road." DAMAGED The end result was the Government-owned vehicle was damaged. Judge Vui said that Tuaimalo, whose Government ministry owned the vehicle, asked through the probation office for restitution costs. Pati was then convicted on the charge of willful damage and ordered to pay a $150 fine and $1100 restitution. For the lesser charge of throwing an object, namely a coconut, Pati was sentenced to time already served. Before his sentencing, Pati had spent the past three weeks in custody, the court heard. Judge Vui described this as lesson learning. Isn't it a bad sign if a bus is beating you in a road race? or do buses just have a natural advantage? and a coconut.. aww yeah Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
