Cutmore’s case transferred to another magistrate

THE case of Australian pilot David John Cutmore who was allegedly involved in a K160 million drug bust in July, will be heard by another magistrate after certain concerns raised by his lawyer.
He appeared before the Central Committal Court Magistrate Laura Wawun Kuvi on charges relating to breaches of the Civil Aviation Act.
Defence lawyer Agnes Peter raised issues of multiplicity and double jeopardy.
The case was transferred to Grade Five Court Magistrate Alex Kalandi who has the jurisdiction to deal with the matter.
Peter told The National outside court that the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (Casa) had charged Cutmore with three offences under the Civil Aviation Act.
“I raised the issue of multiplicity and double jeopardy so that the Casa will have to charge my client with just one charge,” she said.
“Now it’s three charges. They cannot do that because it’s the same summary of facts, same incident.
“They have to just choose one of those three charges.”
Peter said she raised the issue of double jeopardy because her client has already being charged under the Immigration Act where he was fined K2,000.
Cutmore’s money laundering and terrorist financing charge was adjourned to Nov 17. Cutmore arrived in court yesterday in a wheelchair because he was under medication, according to Peter.
She said Cutmore was taken to the Port Moresby General Hospital on Tuesday because he had an existing medical condition to do with joint problems.
He was discharged on Wednesday. Peter said the medicine for his ailment was not available in PNG.
Cutmore is remanded at Bomana Prison.