A Samoan man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after an assessor trial found him guilty of the manslaughter of his eldest son.
Afereti Talato Mapusua was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Friday. Photo: RNZI / Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
The court heard that in February, a heavily drunk Afereti Talato Mapusua struck his 15-year-old son in the neck with a machete, killing him instantly.
The prosecution said Mapusua was angry at his son, who he suspected was hiding his mother.
The judge, Vui Clarence Nelson, said Mapusua - who has six other children - had a history of family violence, and had been referred to an anger management programme before.
In sentencing Mapusua, Justice Vui said Mapusua had not learned any lessons.