A YOUNG man accused of spreading false rumours over an alleged abduction on social media in October, is likely to take his plea on December 16.
Junior Harry Gereniu is facing one count of Spreading False Information, made during the alleged abduction incident that shocked Honiara residents.
Gereniu claimed on a video posted on Facebook that men in a Toyota RAV4 attempted to abduct him and used a ‘hook’ to remove his belongings, at the Kola Ridge cemetery.
His matter was mentioned in the Honiara Magistrate’s Court on Monday and again on Tuesday and was further adjourned to December 16.
Prosecution was also asked to sort out the charge sheet which has a spelling error before the next court date.
Gereniu is still without a lawyer but a lawyer from the Public Solicitor’s Office Wesley Faita’a said he will check if his matter was already allocated to a lawyer in the PSO.
He said if the matter is not yet allocated to any lawyer, then he will take up the matter.
Police alleged that on 19 October at around 9.15pm, a live stream video was posted on facebook about the alleged abduction.
The defendant alleged that a white Toyota Rav4, which had no plate number, attempted to abduct him, with men inside using a hook to steal his bag containing a passport and visa.
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) investigated the alleged abduction on 25 October, after rumours of the alleged abduction caused the panic in public and resulted in schools temporary closed.
Police said the defendant later admitted to fabricating the story based on exaggerated remorse.
Police Prosecutor Abel Maelanga is prosecuting the case on behalf of the Crown.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
