Alleged wife basher faces trial, bail extended

AN alleged wife basher will stand trial in the Waigani National Court after the committal court found enough evidence against him.
Magistrate Cosmas Bidar committed Benson Kewa to trial after ruling that there was sufficient evidence to have the matter tried in the higher court.
Kewa is accused of causing grievous bodily harm to his wife Pauline Andaki between 7pm and 8pm on April 16 last year at Morata in Port Moresby.
It was alleged that when Kewa came home, Andaki began questioning him and pestering him about his whereabouts and why he came home late.
The questioning turned into an argument which further agitated Kewa.
Kewa was alleged to have assaulted Andaki with a cup. He was also alleged to have punched her in the forehead, causing her to fall.
While she was down, Kewa allegedly punched and kicked her.
Kewa was also alleged to have used on her an iron rod, striking her on the hand several times as well as other parts of her body.
Bidar ruled that there was enough evidence presented by police after assessing submissions, saying that such assaults were common.
“In relation to the evidence that the prosecution has against the defendant, the court will rule that the evidence, as it is, is sufficient to put the defendant to trial at the National Court.”
The matter returns on June 2 for Kewa’s statement, he is out on an extended K500 bail.