An Opposition MP in Samoa, A'eau Peniamina, has denied involvement in an incident in which another MP, independent Opposition member, Mafasolia Papu Va'ai, was shot and wounded.
Both MPs had been rivals in the 2001 general election in the constituency of Falealupo, where the shooting took place last year.
A 29 year old man has already pleaded guilty to an attempted murder charge as a result of the incident and is awaiting sentence.
Speaking in court to clear his name, A'eau referred to a copy of a police statement made by the victim in October this year in which he and the defendant's father are accused of being behind the shooting.
But the Chief Justice, Patu Tiava'asu'e Falefatu Sapolu, who is presiding over the case says that statement is not part of the court's records of the incident.
The defendant has been banned from the village since last year and he is staying with the MP's family in Apia.