Waigani National Court

On August 25, 2015, Ricky Antio pleaded guilty before the Waigani National Court to receiving K1,500 stolen cash monies.

He was sentenced by Justice Panuel Mogish to 11 years’ imprisonment with hard labour this week.

Antio spent 11 months in remand at Bomana before he was released on National Court bail on Sept 26, 2014.

The court deducted those 11 months spent in remand from the head sentence of 11 years, leaving Antio with 10 years, one month.

Justice Mogish further ordered 3 years to be suspended from that remaining 10 years – one month jail time.

Mariano Edward Lakae of Apanaipi village, Bereina, Central province, was convicted by the Waigani National Court for conspiring with Jimmy Maladina and Herman Joseph Leahy. They plotted to defraud the then NPF and misappropriated a total of K235,000 between 1998 and 1999.

Deputy Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika, in his decision, said there was evidence Lakae met with Maladina to discuss his engagement to provide valuation service and that he would share his fees with Maladina.

They are owners of shops at the Erimart shop complex. They appeared before Justice Panuel Mogish on Monday, November 7, for a trial to answer to allegations that they were selling printed jerseys and polo shirts containing counterfeit logos for the PNGRFL, Kumuls and Hunters.

However, before the trial started, the court was made known of a declaration filed by the State saying the trademarks were never registered by the complainant, the PNG Rugby Football League.

Justice Nicholas Kirriwom awarded Jackson Kunis a sum of K124,821 with 8 percent interest (K27,002), totaling K151,823 for his injuries.

The car he was traveling in ran into another vehicle, driven by an employee of the Correctional Service. He sustained fractures to his right leg and a heavy blow to his head as a result of the collision.

The vehicle Kunis ran into was a Toyota Land Cruiser with a government vehicle registration and driven by Peter Warea.

The trial was later adjourned to 1.30 this afternoon to allow time for the state to fix the charge against Potape, after one was struck out or removed from the allegations.

The charge or indictment was supposed to be read and explained to Potape, which is the normal process at the beginning of a trial before witnesses are called in. However, this did not take place.