Men to stand trial for assaulting minors

Two men have been committed to stand trial at the Waigani National Court over allegations of sexually assaulting two minors in Port Moresby this year.

Both were arrested and charged under section 229 of the Criminal code sexual offences and crimes against Children's act.

One of the accused from Hagen Central in Western highlands allegedly sexually assaulted a boy in Port Moresby in May 1 at the Vadavada settlement.

The man who is a bus driver (identity withheld) appeared in court yesterday where Magistrate Cosmas Bidar gave a ruling on whether there is sufficient evidence against him.

“Court has no reason to doubt the story of the little boy. He is not a stranger to you. He also lives at Vadavada and knows you. There is sufficient evidence for the case to go for trial,” Bidar told the accused before the court.

It is alleged that he sexually assaulted the boy twice while intoxicated on May 1.

Meanwhile, another man who sexually assaulted a seven-year-old girl at Makana settlement will also stand trial at the Waigani National Court after the court found sufficient evidence against him.

The offense took place on April 2 this year while the man (named) was under the influence of alcohol.

Magistrate Bidar said the girl identified the man, who is known to her family and there is also no reason to doubt her story.

Both men chose to remain silent when asked by the court if they had any response to the court finding enough evidence against them.

They will return to court on Oct 24 for listing at the National Court.

They remain in custody at Bomana.

Author: 
Sally Pokiton