Enough evidence to face trial

By BEVERLY PETER
A COMMITTAL court has ruled that there is enough evidence against a 48-year-old man to stand trial for allegedly obtaining K677,000 through false pretence and uttering from the Internal Revenue Commission (IRC).
Magistrate Paul Puri Nii at Waigani yesterday said police evidence showed that Paul Kelly, of Gumini village, Bonkolma in Chimbu, used a false name with intent to defraud, obtained a cheque for that amount belonging to Nungerum Transport Ltd from IRC in Port Moresby two years ago.
Magistrate Nii said: “One cannot say a different thing first and then change to something else later because the unchanged consistency of evidence is paramount to produce and maintain its truthfulness.
“The evidence shows that IRC paid a K677,000 cheque to Nungerum Transport Ltd and Kelly picked the cheque at IRC’s office after presenting his ID and letter from Nungerum Transport Ltd authorising him to pick the cheque.”
He said Kelly in his defence said Korul Bal gave him the letter to present and pick up the cheque and he had no knowledge of the letter.
Nii said: “Kelly had admitted in the record of interview (ROI) that he and his company was not engaged in taxpayer to act on their behalf or to claim tax refund.
“Kelly, when picking up the cheque at IRC office, wrote Paul P James as his name on the IRC register book.”