Baker’s alleged accomplices to stand trial

THE five alleged accomplices of wanted criminal Tommy Baker have been committed for trial in the National Court to answer to various charges including murder.
Committal Court Magistrate Cosmas Bidar said there was sufficient evidence against Judah Yawie, 24, Boaz Izod, 25, Asingu Jack Rakatani, 19, Kelly Haoda 36, and Clive David Apabo 22, to be tried on offences such as armed robbery, break and enter, conspiracy to commit crime, murder (of a lawyer and two others), arson and others (27 counts in total) committed at Alotau in Milne Bay.
The case was transferred to the Committal Court in Waigani from Alotau in March.
“There is a provision under the laws of the District Court which gives power to the court to commit a person without consideration of evidence,” Bidar said.
“If there is enough information available then the court can make committal orders without considering the file.
“After an overall assessment of all the information taken down the court rules that there is enough evidence to commit the five to the national court.”
Bidar adjourned the matter to Feb 17 for listing at the National Court.