Man allegedly released on ‘snake bail’

​A man facing allegations he used false pretence to steal K4,000 has been told by the Committal court to produce his bail receipt before he is released again by the court.

Joe Walyo of Yapanda village, Wapenamanda, Enga Province appeared from custody at the Committal court after an arrest warrant was executed against him. He was re-arrested after he failed to turn up in court after he was released on K300 bail.   

Walyo told the court he did not attend court after he was released on Feb 20 because the police officer he allegedly paid his bail amount of K300 to did not give him a date to return to court.

The court was also told that no bail receipt was given by the officer he paid bail to when he was released after spending three weeks in the cell.

Police Prosecution alleged the defendant was most probably released on what is called “snake-bail”.

“Snake bail”, basically means proper procedure was not used  or abuse of bail proceedures.

He was arrested and charged at the Waigani Police station before he was moved to Boroko where he was detained for three weeks. 

Walyo was told by Magistrate Cosmas Bidar that the court is aware of such happenings at the Police cells and until such time he produces his bail receipt, he will not be released.

“You can count that your money is as good as lost and will need to make a bail application,” Bidar added.

It is alleged that Walyo between July 15-29 last year sold a car to John Anjo at Six-Mile for K4,000. Anjo paid for the Nissan Sunny vehicle, however he was never given the car.  

He was charged for false pretence by lying he would sell the car which he never did. This led to his arrest. However, soon after his release, he failed to attend to his court hearing on Feb 22, 23 and 25. This resulted in a warrant of arrest issued against him.

He will return to court on April 29.

Author: 
Sally Pokiton