THE sentencing of the man who pleaded guilty to spreading false rumours about an attempted kidnapping at Kola Ridge cemetery in Honiara last October has been deferred to Monday, 20th January.
The deferral is to give time for Magistrate Ishmael Kekou, who has taken over the matter from Principal Magistrate Felix Hollison, to review the case before delivering the sentence.
Magistrate Hollison recused himself from the matter due to avoid any conflict of interest as he knows the defendant.
Mr Kekou on Wednesday also dealt with an arrest warrant issued for the defendant Junior Harry Gereniu.
The warrant of arrest, which was issued for Gereniu after failed to turn up in court on time for his case on Monday, is now cancelled.
The 24-year-old went live on Facebook on October 19, claiming that a white Toyota Rav4 without registration plate number attempted to kidnap him at the Kola Ridge Cemetery Road, towards the Talise Market.
He claimed that the men used a hook to steal his bag containing his visa and passport.
However, police investigations revealed that Gereniu fabricated the story, which caused widespread fear and panic amongst Honiara residents.
In October, rumors circulated in Honiara, alarming residents about unknown men driving around in dark-tinted vehicles to kidnap people to get their organs.
Gereniu’s live Facebook post exacerbated the fear, causing many to worry about their safety in town.
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) investigated the alleged kidnapping and on 8 November, Gereniu admitted to fabricating the story.
The false information led to school closures and police intervention.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
