14 May 2018

Niue minister admits guilt on assault, discharged

7:56 pm on 14 May 2018

A cabinet minister on Niue, Billy Talagi, has been discharged without conviction after pleading guilty to assaulting MP Terry Coe outside the debating chamber.

Niue Parliament

Niue Parliament Photo: Supplied

Local commissioners of the High Court issued the judgement.

The assault took place after a parliamentary meeting during which Mr Coe strongly criticised Mr Talagi, who is the minister of broadcasting, on the operations of TV and radio services.

Back in February when the incident occurred, Mr Talagi told RNZ Pacific that it didn't happen and that it was nothing more than rumour.