The police officer who stood trial for taking State vehicles without authority has been found guilty of the offense.
Principal Magistrate Augustine Aulanga was satisfied that the Crown has proven its case beyond reasonable doubt in relation to two charges of taking vehicles without authority and therefore convicted him.
One of the charges relates to the taking of the Crown car and another of the Advance car.
These cars belong to the Close Personal Protection Unit under the Prime Minister’s Office.
David Hermis was initially charged with two counts of taking vehicle without authority and two count of driving or being in charge while under the influence of drinks or drugs.
However at the close of the prosecution case, the defence made a no case to answer.
The court thought found he has a case to answer to the first two charges however found he has no case to answer to other two count of driving or being in charge while under the influence of drinks or drugs.
Hermis was working with the National Response Division at the time of the offending 26 September last year.
Prosecution alleged Hermis took allegedly drove away two vehicles on the same day but at different times during that day that was parked in front of the Prime Minister’s Office without the consent of the officer in charge of the vehicles.
Mitigation and sentencing submissions on this matter will be made in court on July 11.
Stanley Aupai of the Public Solicitor’s Office represents Hermis while Public Prosecutor Elma Rizzu is representing the State.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
