Former senior police officer’s fate, today
THE fate of the former senior female police officer accused of indecently assault a man while he was asleep and drinking in a moving vehicle will be delivered today.
The judgement of Lily Dagi was listed on Tuesday but was, however, deferred to today.
She had gone through a trial for the charges of indecent assault and drinking in a moving vehicle.
The indecent assault offence was over alleged that she indecently assaulted a senior public servant after a school graduation in Temotu Province in 2018.
They were allegedly drinking with others at a staff house when the alleged incident occurred.
Prosecution alleged the accused then went and indecently assaulted the alleged victim when he fell asleep.
Prosecution also alleged that on another date in 2019 at Lata, Santa Cruz, the accused was seen drinking alcohol in a moving vehicle.
At that time she was a senior police officer.
Stanley Aupai of Public Solicitor’s Office represents the accused while Public Prosecutor Hellen Naqu appeared for the Crown.
Man facing sexual offence set for trial
THE man accused of sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl at farm area at Lunnga, East of Honiara in 2021 has been committed to stand trial before the High Court.
THE man in his 30’s faces one count of sexual intercourse with a child under 15.
The committal hearing was conducted via virtual audio link after his lawyer confirm a short form preliminary inquiry.
The Prosecution then emailed the committal hearing documents to the court.
After perusing the committal papers especially, the statement of the complainant and witnesses plus the accused’s Record of Interview, Principal Magistrate Felix Hollison said he was satisfied there is sufficient evidence against the accused to commit him to the High Court for trial.
He then made an order for the matter to be committed to the High Court for trial.
The accused’s matter will be called over before the High Court on March 25.
He allegedly sexually abused the 12-year-old girl at the Lunnga farm area, East of Honiara at about 6.30pm on 4 December 2021.
Emy Rusi of Public Solicitor’s Office represents the accused.
Trial on attempted arson on PM’s house vacated
Bail has been granted yesterday for one of the men accused of attempting arson on Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare’s private residence at Lunnga, east of Honiara during last November’s unrest.
Moses Tome was granted bail on a cash bail of $500 attached with strict bail condition.
Principal Magistrate Leonard Chite warned Tome if he breached any of his strict bail condition, police will arrest him and his bail will be revoked.
The court is yet to consider his co-accused Wilson Poelo’s bail as his lawyer is yet to contact his surety.
This matter will return to court again on March 23, giving time for the defence to contact Poelo’s surety.
Tome’s appearance was excused on that day.
Mr Chite said a new trial date will be fixed for this matter once the prosecution updated the court on their feedback regarding the charge against the two accused.
The trial on this matter that was schedule to start on Monday was vacated after prosecution’s witnesses who are in the provinces were not summoned to appear in court.
The court heard on Monday that due to the Covid-19 community transmission, police were not able travel to the province to serve the summons.
The prosecution also indicated they might be re-considering the attempted arson charge against the two accused.
The two men were accused of trying to set fire to the PM’s residence at Lungga on 26 November 2020 at midday.
A group of people had at that time broke into the PM’s residence and also set fire to another residence at the back of the PM’s main residence.
A number of shops and businesses houses in the capital were also looted, burnt and destroyed during the three days of unrest in Honiara from November 24 to November 26.
This followed a protest staged by a group of people calling for the removal the Prime Minister over allegations of corruption.
George Taedi of Public Solicitor’s Office represents the accused.
