A SUSPECT involved in the hijacking of the plane that was carrying K4.7 million was convicted by the Waigani District Court yesterday for unlawfully escaping from police custody in Port Moresby, police said yesterday.
Peter Biari, 40, from Tari, Southern Highlands province, was ordered by the court to pay K600 or spend six months in prison.
He had been ordered to remain in custody for his alleged involvement in the attempted armed robbery of the K4.7 million, which belonged to Bank of South Pacific.
Biari had escape from the lock-up at Waigani National Court at about 2pm on Nov 22.
His escape was discovered later by a duty officer after a head count was made.
Biari had earlier been charged and was to be taken to the Boroko police station along with a few others.
He is believed to be the driver of the getaway vehicle which was seized near the Atlas Steel police station along the Porebada Road.
A police prosecutor in Port Moresby is also facing charges in relation to the escape of Biari
The National understands the prosecutor was implicated after investigators questioned security officers from the National and Supreme Court’s Sheriff Office.