Alleged looter’s case for possible plea, April 1
THE man accused of looting valuable properties from the Power Products (Big Chainsaw) shop at Ranadi in East Honiara during the unrest last November will be summoned to appear in court on April 1.
The matter of the accused who faces one count of simple larceny was mentioned in court via virtual audio link.
The accused was not present yesterday.
Public Prosecutor Nickson Tonowane informed the court that the matter was supposed to be for plea and for the accused to confirm if he already has a lawyer.
He added they had sent summons to the police but are yet to get a feedback from them as to whether or not they serve the summon on the accused.
Given that the accused was not present, Principal Magistrate Leonard Chite had to adjourn the matter and ordered the prosecution to follow up with the police regarding the summon.
The accused allegedly stole a Stihl water pressure cleaner, a stihl chainsaw at the Power Products on unknown dates between 24 November and 26 November 2021.
This was during the three days of unrest in the capital where a number of business houses and shops, were looted and burnt.
The Bank of South Pacific at Ranadi, Kukum Traffic Centre and part of Honiara High School were also burnt down.
Prosecution alleged that the accused after stealing the properties went and hid them at his home at Abira settlement, located at the valley behind the Panatina Ridge in East Honiara.
Police arrested him on 5 December 2021.
This was after the accused turned himself to police because he heard police apprehended his wife for questioning.
His wife was released after questioning while the accused was arrested and charged.
Firearm case at PTC stage
THE case of a man accused of possessing a firearm with ammunition in 2021has been adjourned to April 8.
This is to allow the police to serve summon on Iro Kwaita to appear in court on that day.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is also seeking an adjournment to allow the prosecutor in carriage of this matter to appear for this matter.
This is so the prosecutor can update court on the status of the pre-trial conference stage.
The prosecutor is currently on compassionate leave.
Principal Magistrate Leonard Chite having adjourned the matter also made order for the defence counsel and the prosecution to settle outstanding pre-trial conference documents and issues before that date.
Kwaita faces one count of possession of firearm or ammunition without licence.
Prosecution alleged he possessed a riffle ammunition without a current firearm license last year.
The rifle and ammunition were sent to Australia to be examined by experts.
Private Lawyer Hubert Fugui represents Kwaita.
Men admit illegal border crossing
THREE men have confessed to illegally crossing the border without an exception from Tasman, Papua New Guinea to Lord Howe, Malaita Outer Islands last December.
Robert Isou, Henry Navari and Rocky Tani yesterday pleaded guilty to the charge of restriction of movement of small craft vessels.
Following their guilty pleas, their matter was adjourned to March 23 for sentencing submissions and mitigation.
The men took their plea after their lawyer confirmed to the court that they will no longer write a request to the Attorney General (AG) for the Prime Minister (PM) to deal with this case administratively.
Deputy Public Solicitor Martha Manaka said after consultations, the direction for Public Solicitor Office is for the accused to enter their pleas before the court.
The three men arrived at Pelau Village from Tasman, PNG on board a 60 horse power engine at 5pm on 3 December 2021.
They are believed to be natives of Pelau and Luaniua village in MOI.
Police Officers at the Pelau Police Post attended to them and charged them after they found that the men crossed the border from Tasman, PNG.
They kept the men under strict quarantine measures and on 21 December 2021 a Police patrol boat was sent to the MOI with medical staff.
The three accused and police officers who attended to the men were tested for Covid-19 but were negative.
The accused were then transported to Honiara to face the court here.
Public Prosecutor Myrella Cleven is prosecuting.
New trial dates set for CDO’s case
THE court has yesterday set new trial dates to hear evidences on the case of the Constituency Development Officer (CDO) for Temotu Nende Constituency accused of misusing constituency funds.
Philip Tuplo is facing one count of official corruption.
His matter was mentioned in court yesterday via virtual audio link where Principal Magistrate Leonard Chite set down May 30 to June 10 for the trial.
The new trial dates were fixed after the first trial dates set for February this year were vacated due to the Covid-19 out break in the country.
Having set the trial date, Mr Chite adjourned the matter to April 8.
Tuplo’s appearance on that date and other interim mention dates are excused except on the final interim mention date, May 27.
On that day, he is required to appear in court.
Tuplo is charged in relation to an allegation between 6 February 2013 and 19 September 2013.
Prosecution alleged that he misused a total of $58,500 for the payment of Project Materials under the Constituency Fund for Mebialo Housing Project in Santa Cruz.
It was alleged he used the monies to build his personal house.
Tuplo who is also from Mebialo was employed as the CDO for the Temotu Nende Constituency at the commission of the offence.
Charles Gabily Tanhimana of Whitlam K Togamae Lawyers is representing Tuplo while Public Prosecutor Samuel Tovosia is prosecuting.
