ENB man pleads guilty to Coca Cola Amatil robbery

A medical report is required by the National Court to assist decide the penalty sentence of a man who pleaded guilty to the Coca Cola Amatil robbery in Port Moresby last year.

Joe Joseph Kapinias, of Rapitok, Toma, East New Britain province today pleaded guilty to his involvement in the armed robbery of January 28, 2016 at the Coca Cola Amatil which saw K313.50 cash plus other uncashed cheques taken.

The court was told that a 9mm factory made pistol was used in the armed robbery. Kapinias and his younger brother carried out the robbery in police uniforms.

The robbery did not turn out as planned and they left without taking monies from the safe. However, the robbery was captured on CCTV.

He admitted to the robbery, apologising to his family and the court for his crime. He also asked for leniency from the court.

Justice Panuel Mogish accepted his guilty plea and heard submissions from his lawyer and the state on the appropriate punishment the court should impose on him.

Kapinias told the court that he was taken to an unknown location when caught by police and was stripped and beaten resulting in the permanent injuries he has today.

He told the court a metal had to be inserted into his leg. He now walks with crutches.

His lawyer asked for a suspended jail term given the amount of money that was taken during the robbery. The state proposed a term of eight years.

The judge adjourned his case to later this month but issued directions to doctors from the Port Moresby General Hospital to do a medical report that would assist the court with its penalty sentence based on his injuries.

His co-accused’s case will be heard by the court at a later date.

(Loop PNG Picture by Kennedy Bani.)

Author: 
Sally Pokiton