The Central Committal Court has found enough prima facie evidence against one of the youths who was allegedly involved in the armed robbery and sexual assault of tourists on Kokoda track last year.
Toksy Jacob of Efogi in the Northern Province returned to court with his lawyer today where the ruling was handed down.
What remains outstanding in the Committal Court process is his response to the court’s ruling or section 96 statements. That will take place on April 18 when he returns to the Committal Court.
Enough evidence has only been found at this stage but an order from the committal to the National Court for trial is yet to be made.
The court based its ruling on the record of interview that was conducted by police on Jacob and his 17 year old co-accused.
The interview conducted on February 19, 2016 saw the two accused admit to the crime on January 11,2016.
Jacob’s lawyer earlier submitted before the court that his client was forced by police to admit the crime however Magistrate Ben Kome said that would be a matter for the National Court to consider when the case gets sent up.
Despite the court relying on the email correspondence of the two tourists, it also took into consideration the evidence of the father of the accused juvenile. His father’s statement admitted that there were some items stolen which were returned by the two.
Jacob and his co-accused were arrested and charged with one count of armed robbery, unlawful wounding and sexual penetration under the Criminal Code Act.
They two allegedly stole K6,000 cash and 500 pounds off British citizen, Matthew Iovane, while armed with a bush knife and spear.
It is also alleged the two youths, with others, raped American Michelle Clemens and wounded both tourists.