Cop jailed in absentia for 18yrs

By ZEDAIAH KANAU
A WANTED policeman on the run for causing the death of his police officer girlfriend was sentenced (in absentia) to 18 years in prison yesterday at the Waigani National Court.
Mea Udu, 28, from Bagilina village, Milne Bay, was convicted of manslaughter on Sept 8 by Justice Jim Wala Tamate for the death of his late girlfriend at the Bomana Police College on Aug 19, 2018, but escaped from the Waigani National Court premises after his conviction and is yet to be recaptured.
Justice Tamate used his discretion to continue with the sentencing.
“Justice cannot be left hanging in arrears because the prisoner has escaped,” he said.
“The case must continue, to achieve a fair and just result.”
The court was told by the prosecution that Udu intentionally caused his girlfriend grievous bodily harm which resulted in her death.
After being assaulted, she was taken to the Port Moresby General Hospital but died on Sept 6, 2018.
“As a result of the prisoner escaping from custody there was no allocutus and also no pre-sentence report was prepared,” Justice Tamate said.
“The offence came about as a result of the prisoner (Udu) getting angry about a few pornographic images that the deceased had deleted from his phone.
“The prisoner knew it was illegal and unlawful to be in possession of pornographic material. Being a police officer, he should have known better yet he got angry and his conduct in assaulting and killing the deceased was uncalled for.
“His conduct did not demonstrate that of a police officer.
“His behaviour and actions have unfortunately led to the loss of an innocent life.”
Justice Tamate said that the woman’s family had lost someone who could have supported them financially, which was something they would have to deal with for the rest of their life. “The killing of a lover or a family member is a very serious aggravating factor that goes against the person,” he said.
“A lover, partner or member of the family is supposed to provide protection and is entrusted with that trust.”
“Escaping from lawful custody is a total disrespect and mockery of our judicial process dealing with criminal cases in its finality in the brink of achieving justice.
Udu will serve his sentence at Bomana once he is arrested.