John Hickey

Deputy Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika will preside over the matter from Monday (May 2).

Hickey will be represented by Ian Molloy over allegations of official corruption, abuse of office and misappropriation. He was arrested and charged in March last year.

On Dec 4 last year, Magistrate Mekeo Gauli of the Waigani Committal Court found that there was sufficient evidence for the member to stand trial over allegations of official corruption, abuse of office and misappropriation between August 22 and Oct 3 of 2013.

Hickey was referred to the tribunal in January 2015 on allegations of misconduct in office when he failed to submit financial returns as required under Section 89 of the Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates.

This omission lead to a failure in upholding his duties and responsibilities of office as required under Section 27 of the Constitution and the Organic Law on the Duties and Responsibilities of Leadership.