Cop to stand trial for freeing prisoner

By BEVERLY PETER
A COMMITTAL court has found enough evidence to commit a policeman to trial in the National Court for permitting a prisoner to escape in Port Moresby last year.
Magistrate Paul Puri Nii at Waigani yesterday told Norman Nason, 25, from Lufa, Eastern Highlands, that the witnesses’ statement supported the allegation that he had allowed prisoner Rickson Hepale of Lake Kopiago, Hela, to escape lawful custody on May 26, 2021.
Nii noted that Nason, who was charged with abuse of office, had been on duty at the time when Hepale was detained at the Boroko Police Station cells.
Hepale had been arrested and charged by officer Rafol Kuna and detained but he was later seen in public by the complainant who asked the arresting officer why the prisoner was let out.
Nii said Nason had allegedly relocated Hepale from cell block six to 10 but the prisoner had later gone missing.
Nason had denied the allegation saying he had no knowledge of Hepale ever being a prisoner.
Nason had submitted for his charge to be dismissed for insufficient evidence because there was no charge sheet or any form of documentation on Hepale’s arrest. Nii said despite Nason’s denial, several witnesses’ statements supported the allegation.
“Aiding a prisoner to escape while being employed as a policeman is an abuse of office.
“Therefore, the abuse of office charge against Nason is also sustained,” he added. Meanwhile, Nason’s bail was extended and he will return on Aug 25 for his declaration statement.