Waigani National Court

Day two of the trial today, saw the State’s key witness, the daughter of the late Lapan Nason give an account of what she witnessed that morning before the court.

Elsa Nason was the only person who saw what transpired between her late father and the accused, Justin Parker between 4am and 6am of June 6, 2015.

Her evidence is crucial in the case which took both prosecution and the defence the whole morning to cross examine her.

She was the fourth witness from the state.

Leave was granted by Justice Les Gavara-Nanu after Bando’s lawyers established that there were serious issued to be tried and that he had sufficient interest in the case.

Parties returned to court today for directions. Justice Gavara-Nanu adjourned the case to May 8 but directed Bando’s lawyers to prepare the necessary court documents to serve on parties.

Bando was suspended by the Hela Provincial Executive Council on April 12. Kove Waiko was then appointed as the acting provincial administrator.

Bando who is also the Chairman of the Hela Election Steering Committee is challenging his suspension due to the urgency of the upcoming election.

His lawyer went to court yesterday and again today, but was unable to move the urgent application because the state was short served the application and counsels with the files did not appear in court.

He is asking the court to set aside his suspension.

Justice Collin Makil, in his decision this morning, found that the Leadership Tribunal's decision was not unreasonable and bias, thus the penalty recommendation for dismissal from office should stand.

He said the member’s review failed, dismissing it with cost as he was of the view that Knight was not denied a fair hearing.

This decision of the review came a day before the issue of writs tomorrow, after the trial was conducted in April last year.

The disappointed member said he will seek legal advice on his next step, indicating a Supreme Court appeal.

George Hanio was arrested and charged by police on allegations he physically assaulted his former wife after a domestic argument at Murray Barracks on 18 June 2015, which left her with a fractured arm and leg.

He appeared before Justice Panuel Mogish, where he pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm to his former wife.

He admitted to the offence and apologised to the court for his actions, but said he was provoked by his wife, who back then, used to sleep out without informing him.

Justice Panuel Mogish today found David Kumalau Pondros guilty of dishonestly applying to his own use and the use of others K5, 317, 375.16, money belonging to the Independent state of Papua New Guinea.

Chairman of the Investigation Task Force Sweep Team, Sam Koim and Director of National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate Matthew Damaru were among those present in court today for the verdict.

Pondros is the Managing Director of David Consultants and Associates Ltd.

Norman Ilikis of Turagunan village, Kokopo, East New Britain Province appeared on Monday before Deputy Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika for mention where his case was transferred to Justice Panuel Mogish.

The case was transferred because Sir Gibbs had previously dealt with and sentenced Glenda Nugai, the woman who conspired with Norman Ilikis to steal K232, 000 worth of Digicel flex out of the company.

He will next appear in court before Justice Mogish.  

Twivey’s lawyer appeared before Deputy Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika on Monday, where her District Court bail conditions were converted to National Court bail conditions. She remains on an extended bail of K1,000.

The State and her lawyers were also told to file pre-trial review statements before a trial date can be set. The matter returns to court on May 1.

On March 9, Twivey was committed to stand trial in the Waigani National Court to answer to allegations of perverting the course of justice in 2015.

Alphonse Samson of Eastern Highlands Province and Sonix Alowale were today discharged of the charge or information of stealing against them.

Their lawyer had earlier asked the court to dismiss the case against them through an application they had no case to answer to based on the ground that they were standing trial for the wrong charge.

They were charged with stealing when there was evidence they received stolen proceeds of the crime.

Trial judge and Deputy Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika allowed the no case submission, dismissing them on the charge of stealing.

Olivia Warome of Watabung village, Daulo, Eastern Highlands Province today admitted before the Waigani National court to killing Wendy Wauwe on the night of April 18, 2015 at the Five-Mile ridge settlement in NCD.

She was arrested  and charged on April 30, 2015 for wilfully and unlawfully murdering another person (Wauwe).

The State presented the indictment or charge against her in court today, amending the charge to manslaughter, which she pleaded guilty to.

Warome was 27 at the time she stabbed Wauwe, a woman the State said was her cousin.