Police arrest a man at the scene of a brawl outside Kokomo’s last July. Photo: Supplied.
The man accused of killing Canberra Comanchero’s commander Pitasoni ‘Soni’ Ulavalu last year has appeared in court, along with several others allegedly involved in the nightclub brawl.
Court documents for a man who has previously pleaded guilty to his role in the incident state Frederick Elijah Mercy Tuifua, 26, allegedly stabbed Mr Ulavalu with a knife during a brawl at Kokomo’s in Civic in July 2020.
As he is held in custody, Mr Tuifua appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court today (24 February) via telephone after previously pleading not guilty to the murder of Ulavalu.
His lawyer said both the defence and the prosecution sought an adjournment as “negotiations are in place”.
“I anticipate the matter to be resolved in that period,” he said.
Magistrate James Stewart scheduled the case to be heard in March when Mr Tuifua will appear again via telephone.
Mr Tuifua said, “no worries, thank you”, before hanging up.
Three other men who have pleaded not guilty to charges of affray over their alleged roles in the brawl also appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court: Maximilian Ellis Kurt Budack, Matthew Kupu and Osaiasi Avanua Sydney Kupu.
When speaking about Matthew Kupu’s case, the lawyer, representing all three men, said the defence and prosecution were “close to resolving those matters”.
Magistrate Stewart adjourned the matters to a date in March.
“Hopefully, everyone will be in a position to enter pleas then,” he said.
A man who cannot be named is also charged with affray over the Kokomo’s incident. He also had his matter heard today, and he will next appear in court in March.
Earlier this month, a second man who cannot be named pleaded guilty to a charge of affray over the incident and will return to court for sentencing later this year.
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