Trial

At the close of the State’s evidence, lawyer representing Douglas Ross of Otahuhu, New Zealand and Stella Teha Pia of Hula, Central Province moved a no-case submission, asking the court to dismiss the allegations against them half way through the trial on the basis they have no case to answer to.

They moved the application asking trial Judge, Justice Panuel Mogish to dismiss the case saying the prosecution’s evidence presented in court through its witnesses, is not proof beyond reasonable doubt for them to respond to.

A trial was conducted in the Waiagnai National Court after the man pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting his 13-year-old daughter in 2012.

The victim was in grade 6 at the time she was allegedly assaulted on three occasions.

The man whose identity is withheld to the age of the victim stood trial before Justice Nicholas Kirriwom this week.

It is the State’s allegation that he sexually assaulted her (penetration) in August, September and November of 2012 at various locations in the city after picking her up from school.

Casper Louise was the company banker at the time of the robbery on Oct 4, 2013. He pleaded guilty to the offense on March 7 in the National Court.

He returned to court today, May 3, 2017 to give his statement before submission can be made by his lawyer and the state on the appropriate penalty sentence the court should impose on him.

Five of his other friends earlier pleaded not guilty and a trial was conducted. They were later found guilty for their involvement on April 13.

Deputy Police Commissioner (operations) Jim Andrews assured the National Court today that the State’s key witness, who is the late Lapan Nason’s daughter, will be flown into Port Moresby on Tuesday.

He told the court that Police Commissioner Gary Baki authorised cheques this morning to arrange for late Lapan’s daughter to be flown in.

Commissioner Baki is said to be in Buka today and Andrews stepped in to explain to the court this afternoon, why the State’s key witness was not brought to Port Moresby in time for the commencement of the trial today.

The trial into the robbery continued into day eight today for the seven accused persons; Alphonse Samson, Paul Steven and Samson Banaso from the Eastern Highlands Province, Sonix Alowale of Enga, Hubert Korede and Stewart Korina of Northern Province and Gelison William of Milne Bay Province.

Louis, Steven, William, Korede and Korina were employed by G4S at the time of the alleged offense.  Samson, Alowale and Banaso were not employed by G4S.

The trial was supposed to commence on Tuesday however it was deferred because police prosecution were unable to organise witnesses in time.

Sawari and his lawyer Loani Henao appeared before Magistrate Mekeo Gauli today.

With the deferral of the trial, the court told police prosecution to make copies of the state witnesses to Sawari's lawyers next week.

His bail of K1,000 has been extended and he is to continue reporting to the Waigani District Court registry.

Norman Ilikis of Turagunan village, Kokopo, East New Britain Province appeared on Monday before Deputy Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika for mention.

Ilikis lawyer was directed to work with state lawyers and file pre-trial statement reviews before the matter returns to court next week.

His bail conditions will also be reviewed next week Monday when his case returns.

The case against Michael Apereo was transferred to Waigani from Mt Hagen. It commenced today before Justice Panuel Mogish.

Two witnesses were called by the State after the charges or indictment against Apereo was presented in court.

From Walia village in the Enga Province, Apereo is facing three counts of wilful murder.

Norman Ilikis of Turagunan village, Kokopo, East New Britain Province will appear for listing at the National Court on Feb 20.

Magistrate Mekeo Gauli last Monday (Jan 16) found sufficient evidence against the 34-year-old. His matter was committed today (Jan 23) after his Section 96 Statement went before the District Court.

This same pistol was allegedly used in the K1.2 million robbery at the Tropic Air Terminal on Nov 3, 2016.

The 44-year-old Steven Numbos of Kragur village, Wewak, East Sepik Province appeared before Magistrate Alex Kalandi with his lawyer on Wednesday where his two charges were read and explained to him in court.

Arrested on Dec 30, 2016, he was charged with being in possession of ammunition without license and being in possession of a pistol without license under the Firearms Act.