Pastor

Pastor Michael Jack, aged 43 of Koma village in the Mt Hagen Central District, Western Highlands Province, was charged with one count of forgery and one count of uttering.

Pastor Michael Jack also used other names such as: Paulus Kei, John Jason Paraka and Jack Ruimb when dealing with different people. One of his identification documents shows he was of Afghanistan & PNG nationality. 

The man, who is a pastor based in Morobe, will spend 8 years, four months, two weeks and 3 days at Bomana after the Waigani National Court deducted time spent in custody (1 year, 7 months) from the head sentence of 10 years.

The court also ordered for his repatriation to Morobe after the completion of his term.

Justice Panuel Mogish, in handing down his sentence, said pastors of churches hold sacred role in society where people place a high level of trust on them.

Deputy Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika in dismissing the case said it was a waste of the court’s time as Pastor Nou Mase, from Pari village had legal title as the owner of the customary land.

A trial was conducted today with the complainant, William Gari and his wife, Louisa giving evidence in court against Mase.