Trial starts against former rugby chairman

Former chairman of NCD Sub-urban Rugby League competition, Billy Aki, is answering to allegations of wilful murder at the Waigani National Court after he pleaded not guilty to an indictment.

The trial commenced yesterday morning against the man from Tambul, Western Highlands Province, before Justice George Manuhu.

Aki, who was charged on January 5, 2016, over the wilful murder of his wife, Louisa Aki, has been in custody since his arrest.

Louisa was from the Gulf Province.

The state alleged he assaulted his wife using a timber on 26 December 2016 at the Kone Tigers oval while under the influence of alcohol.

Following the assault, he allegedly took her home after she passed out.

It is the state’s further allegation that she was not taken to the hospital until December 28.

She was admitted at the Port Moresby General Hospital but succumbed to her injuries on 31 December 2016.

The issue before the court that the state needs to prove is whether Aki had the intention to kill his wife following the assault and by delaying her medical treatment.

The late Louisa’s mother and a friend who was with her that day at the oval are among witnesses the state called yesterday for the trial.

Aki has been refused bail by the court over his security and fears of relatives of his deceased wife taking revenge.

The trial continues.

Author: 
Sally Pokiton