4 ordered to pay compensation after attacking police officer

FOUR people who attacked a police officer at Nadzab Market last month have been ordered to compensate their victim as part of their sentence, a police prosecutor says.
In her oral submission in the Lae District Court yesterday, prosecutor First Const Deilynne Kiungu asked that the court order the four defendants, charged with unlawfully assaulting Snr Const Jackson Manuki and obstructing police on Oct 29, to pay compensation.
First Const Kiungu made the submission before Magistrate James Morog after all four defendants admitted to committing the offences.
The defendants – Apin Paul, 21; John Yafon, 25; Philip Jimmy, 30; and, Grace Hausengi, 45, all from Gabsongkeg
village in Huon Gulf, Morobe – appeared in court on police bail of K600 each.
Police brief presented in court stated that the four defendants had been drinking in a public area and were told by Snr Const Manuki to go to a private area to drink, but they defied his instructions, swore at and attacked him.
The court also heard that during the commotion, another defendant, Hiob Sasa, who is facing a separate charge, made a video recording on his phone of the assault and posted it on Facebook and TikTok.
Provincial police commander Supt Jacob Singura on viewing the video sent police officers to Nadzab to arrest and charge the four defendants.
Magistrate Morog adjourned the case to Nov 12 for sentencing.