Alleged Baker gang members in court

THE case for five alleged accomplices of wanted criminal Tommy Baker has been adjourned because their lawyer failed to turn up to court.
Waigani Magistrate Cosmas Bidar was told in the Committal Court that lawyer Agnes Peter from the Public Solicitor’s Office was supposed to be representing Judah Yawie, 24, Boaz Izod, 25, Asingu Jack Rakatani, 19, Kelly Haoda, 36, and Clive David Apabo 22.
The court was informed that she was attending a workshop.
The five were allegedly part of Baker’s gang accused of committing a series of crimes in Alotau, Milne Bay.
The five were charged with one count each of arson, wilful murder, breaking and entering and stealing, armed robbery, damaging property, unlawful use of motor vehicle, and break-enter to commit a crime.
The suspects were transferred to Port Moresby from Alotau on Feb 20.
Magistrate Bidar said the accused first appeared in court on March 14.
Their case has continued to October and needs to be finalised.
“It is important that submissions are underway so that a ruling can be made on the sufficiency of evidence to determine whether the case will proceed to the National Court or not,” Bidar said.
Their case was adjourned to Nov 11 for submissions.
During a separate hearing on Oct 21, Bidar dismissed the case of Tony Binas, 48, and Joseph Yahuna, 24, charged with harbouring Baker and his gang.
The two had accompanied the five from Alotau to Port Moresby and also represented by Peter.