Contempt of court

Opposition MPs yet to get statements filed

Sir Mekere Morauta, Patrick Pruaitch and Kerenga Kua are yet to file their statements because they want their case given to an expatriate lawyer.

Their lawyer told the court today that they are awaiting the approval of the brief out by the Attorney General.

The Supreme Court today gave an extension of one week to the lawyer for the three MPs to file their affidavits.

Madang Open MP, Bryan Kramer, who is representing himself in court, was not present. Vanimo-Green MP Belden Namah’s lawyer was also not in court.

High Court quashes Gawi’s jail term

A three judge Supreme Court bench consisting of Justices Collin Makail, Derek Hartshorn and Hitalai Polume granted the appeal of Sr. Christine Gawi against Justice David Canning’s decision on August 2015 at the Madang National Court.

The Supreme Court today quashed the decision of the Madang National Court however it ordered Sr. Gawi to pay a  fine of  K5, 000.

Gawi was found guilty by the National Court for contempt of court for disobeying an order of the National Court, dated  January 22, 2014.