Booze leads to fight, manslaughter charge

By HEZRON KISING
A MAN accused of causing the death of a relative appeared in the Lae Committal Court after he was charged with manslaughter.
The accused, Julius Hapiyai, 27, from Arkosame village in Nuku district in West Sepik, appeared before Magistrate Nancy Lipai for the second time on Friday.
The court adjourned the case to June 22 as the police files had not been completed by the investigating officer.
Magistrate Lipai said police would be given a month to have the files ready to be presented to the court.
It was alleged that Hapiyai, on March 17, at Busu Compound in Lae was drinking alcohol at his residence when the incident occurred.
He had allegedly bought the alcohol for the deceased and they had drunk from 2pm to 10pm.
The police report indicated that the pair had an argument and a fight ensued where the deceased was pushed and fell to the ground, hitting his head and lost consciousness. Hapiyai was later arrested.