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Probationer admits to hitting another man on the head with a beer bottle

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ausage@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A man accused of assaulting another man in a night club last year has entered into a plea agreement with the government.

Joseph Aleluiah told the court that he hit the victim's head with a beer bottle on the night of Dec. 10, 2017, and what he did violated conditions of his 5-year probation.

Aleluiah, 43, was initially charged with second degree assault, a felony; and two misdemeanors: third degree property damage and disturbing the public peace.

But under a plea agreement with the government, accepted by the court, he pled guilty to second degree assault.

Aleluiah was placed on probation back in 2016 after he was convicted of assaulting another man during a volleyball game in Pago Pago.

When asked to explain what happened, Aleluiah, who is out on a $5,000 surety bond, said he can't recall the events, because he was too drunk.

According to terms of the plea agreement, on the night in question, the defendant was bothering patrons of the nightclub, and causing trouble with two females. Later that same night, security guards escorted him out and ordered him not to re-enter the club because he was too drunk.

While outside, Aleluiah threw a beer bottle towards a vehicle, damaging the back window.  When the vehicle owner approached Aleluliah and asked why he damaged the car, Aleluiah didn't respond. Instead, he grabbed an empty beer bottle and struck the man’s head.

As conditions of probation, Aleluiah was ordered by the court in 2016 to seek employment, remain law abiding, and not to consume alcohol.

Sentencing and a disposition hearing for violating conditions of his 2016 probation are set for next month.