Case of man charged with verbal abuse going to trial

A MANAGER of an insurance company charged with using insulting words under the Summary Offences Act will return to court in a months’ time for trial after he pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Magistrate Billy Pidu, in the Boroko Summary Court, yesterday adjourned the case of the manager from Marsh Ltd, Mark Alan Rankin, to March 18 and extended his bail.
Rankin, 58, of Wellington, New Zealand, was alleged to have called Ann Saruva, on Jan 14, informing her of a meeting by saying, “You need to get you’re a#@ up here at 2pm for a meeting”, and went on saying, “Lote has sent you an email for exemption and you have not replied.”
Saruva, who is a principal officer and director for underwriting with PHA Health Assurance Company Ltd, explained the office procedures followed before responding to requests but Rankin accused her of giving excuses.
He then allegedly said: “You need to pull your finger out of you’re a#&hole and reply.”
Saruva protested over what Rankin had said and told him: “I don’t like your language, slow down.
“I never gave any excuses to Lote or anyone.”
“I don’t like your harsh and obscene language.”
Rankin allegedly quietened down and hung up when he heard Saruva protest.
Saruva lodged a complaint.