Gamato to appear in court regarding bail charges

ELECTORAL Commissioner Patilias Gamato will appear in court next Thursday charged with breaching National Court bail conditions.
Waigani Committal Court Magistrate Tracy Ganaii said according to Section 28 of the Bail Act, the penalty for a breach was imprisonment for up to 12 months. “Your case will be dealt with and completed in the summary court,” she said.
She extended Gamato’s bail to next Thursday.
Gamato, 53, of Sapa village in Huon, Morobe allegedly interfered with state witnesses on Feb 11 and 12 this year.
Police prosecutor Sgt John Wamugl indicated that appropriate applications would be filed in the National court to revoke Gamato’s bail.
Magistrate Ganaii said the bail was granted by the National Court which had the powers to revoke it. “The District Court does not have the power to vary any bail (issued by the National Court), or hear any revocation.”
She told Gamato that the prosecutor could file a revocation application in the National Court.
“If it is filed and your bail is revoked, the (lower) court can remand you until your case is completed. But for now your bail is extended,” she said.