The manslaughter trial over the death of former PNG beauty queen, Ruby Anne Laufa, continues morning.
The country’s chief pathologist is expected to take the stand as a prosecution witness.
The trial against Richard Namaliu continued before the Waigani National Court on September 26th after its commencement on September 25th.
Yesterday morning, trial judge Justice Teresa Berrigan gave her ruling on the admissibility of evidence from the sixth witness – one of late Ruby-Anne Laufa’s close friends.
Father of the deceased, Maurice Laufa, also took the stand yesterday, giving an account of his daughter’s condition on the morning of 11 February 2017, and how he found her at the Port Moresby General Hospital at midday.
After the seventh witness, the state asked for an adjournment to today (Sept 27) to allow time for one of the key witnesses to attend.
The country’s chief pathologist, whose evidence will be crucial to the state’s case, is expected in court today.
At the close of the state’s evidence, the defense team will be given the opportunity to address the court.
Namaliu, who is facing manslaughter charges, is alleged to have assaulted the late Ruby Anne on the morning of 11 February 2017, in which she sustained injuries that contributed to her death.
The state’s case is to prove that there was an element of criminal negligence.
The accused remains on an extended court bail.