Court reserves sentence

A MAGISTRATE has reserved sentencing to today (July 21) for a company driver who hit a pedestrian in Port Moresby so that the employer may consider compensating the victim.
Magistrate Rebecca Kwayaila told Clement Kami, 28, of Kindeng village, Minj, Jiwaka, charged with driving without due care and attention, that paying compensation either by Kami or his employer could be used as a mitigating factor.
“In plea matters, some defendants take it upon themselves to compensate and it works as a mitigating factor when it comes to sentencing,” she said
“It’s a company vehicle and the company should show some responsibility,” Magistrate Kwayaila said.
“But there’s nothing before the court to suggest that they have done anything.”
Kami, an operation manager with a security firm, pleaded guilty to the offence saying he was a first time offender and asked for leniency. Police prosecutor Sgt John Wamugl asked the court to hand down the maximum penalty.
Magistrate Kwayaila reserved sentencing to today. Kami remains in custody.
The incident happened last Thursday at around 7am in Gordon.
The female victim was treated in hospital for injuries.