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Samoa man jailed for double manslaughter

Sinei Aunei, second from right talking to his defense lawyer, after Justice Mata Keli Tuatagaloa sentenced him to more than 7 years in jail. [Photo: Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia / RNZI]

The Supreme Court in Samoa has sentenced a 42-year-old man to more than seven years in jail for a car accident that killed two people. Sinei Aunei pleaded guilty to manslaughter and negligent driving causing injuries.

He was the driver of a delivery truck which collided with a minivan in June this year on Savai'i island, killing a woman and her four-year-old son.

The woman's 17-year-old son, who was the driver at the time, received serious injuries.

According to the police summary of facts, Aunei had been drinking home-brew with a friend, and was drunk before he drove the truck.

Aunei's employer paid for the funeral of the two victims, and bought a new car for the family.

Aunei's family also made a traditional ifoga or apology.