Ex-convict back in jail for theft

AN ex-convict who stole a laptop containing important police files and documents from a policeman in Bulolo early this year was jailed a year with light labour by the Lae District Court.
Magistrate Issac Tjipet sentenced Sonny Nickson, 20, from Finschhafen’s Sialum village, after he pleaded guilty to stealing a laptop and a boom box belonging to Zwingly Hubert who was attached with Wau police.
Nickson, who appeared from custody last week, was previously convicted for having live ammunition and was released after paying a K300 fine.
Nickson stole a Toshiba laptop worth K1,200 and a JBL boom box valued at K1,000 at the Wau Police Barracks.
On Feb 25, between 10am and 1pm, Nickson was in Hubert’s house at Wau Police Barracks since he used to reside with Hubert.
At that time, Hubert was out on police duty when Nickson entered Hubert’s room and took the items.
Police said the laptop contained police confidential files such as hand-up brief, court information, crime scene photographs and many other vital information.
Due to his actions, some of Hubert’s cases were thrown out (of court, either discharged/dismissed) and also confidential information, if leaked, would be a threat to police.