Peter Sharp

Funding for Sharp trial made available

The trial into the country’s worst maritime disaster which saw more than 172 people perish in the ferry disaster on Feb 2, 2012, started in April but ran into funding problems in August resulting in a number adjournment.

The matter returned before Presiding judge, Terrence Higgins on Wednesday this week where an update on funding was given and the matter adjourned to Feb 2017 for mention before a date for the continuation of the trial can be fixed.

Captain Peter Robert Sharp granted leave

After the adjournment of his trial on August 11, Captain Sharp applied for bail variation due to a medical condition that he has, one that requires regular check up. For that same reason, he also asked for his passport to be released so he could travel abroad.

Justice Terrence Higgins allowed Sharp to travel after he sought leave of the court to vary his bail conditions. Sharp left the country on Sunday and is expected to return before September 5th.

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K800,000 to boost ethnic clash operations

http://www.looppng.com/content/k800000-boost-ethnic-clash-operations

A total of K800,000 was put in to help police operation into the ethnic clash between Western Highlanders and Sepiks in Madang.

MV Rabaul Queen trial continues

http://www.looppng.com/content/mv-rabaul-queen-trial-continues

MV Rabaul Queen trial continues

Through his assisting counsel, the National Court in Kokopo held by Justice Terrence Higgins was advised that lead State Counsel Tusais was “sick” and unable to continue the long-awaited trial.

State Counsel Tusais was visibly upset over the turn of events which occurred during the beginning of the trial where Justice Higgins went ahead to amend the indictment. The charge was prepared by public prosecution against Captain Peter Robert Sharp and the MV Rabaul Queen Captain Anthony Matasir Tsiau, against opposition from the State prosecution team.

Sharp to stand trial this week

Sharp and three others, the MV Rabaul Queen Captain Anthony Tsiau, Tsiau Micheal Zirau and Kimbe Port manager Grace Amen will stand trial for 171 counts of manslaughter and one count each for sending an unworthy vessel out to sea in 2012.

The charge of manslaughter under section 302 of the Criminal Code of PNG carries a penalty of life imprisonment, while the charge of sending an unworthy ship out to sea under section 331 of the Criminal Code carries an imprisonment term not exceeding 14 years.

They are all expected back in court today (Monday).