KEY POINTS:
Police dropped domestic violence charges against former Manu Samoa rugby international Afato So'oalo today after his wife declined to give evidence at the hearing.
The couple are undergoing counselling.
The case was set for a two-hour fixture before Judge Gary MacAskill in the Christchurch District Court, but the court was told before the hearing started that Mr So'oalo's wife did not want to give evidence.
The case was then dismissed.
Defence counsel Bridget Ayrey said Mr So'oalo, 32, was ready to proceed with the hearing on charges of assaulting his wife, threatening to kill, and possession of an offensive weapon, but she had suggested police prosecutor Sergeant Brent Register speak to the complainant before court began.
"I have explained to her about compellability in court," said Mr Register.
"She is not prepared to give evidence today. Mr So'oalo and his wife have conducted counselling and are still going to joint counselling to have a look at some issues. I'll seek to offer no evidence today."
Mr So'oalo played for Canterbury and the Crusaders. Name suppression was granted when he was arrested in August. When it was lifted he appealed to the High Court for continued suppression but the appeal was refused.
His wife did not support the appeal.
- NZPA
