Good character, leadership saves man jail time

By JIMMY KALEBE
THE leadership of a 53-year-old man in his community has saved him from going to jail.
He was given a suspended sentence for three years and placed on a good behaviour bond by the Lae National Court on Friday for stealing K17,000 worth of fuel.
Jack Dick, from Hula, Rigo in Central, was charged with two counts of misappropriation after he applied to his use and that of others a fuel card to purchase fuel entrusted to him by his employer between Jan 4 and 11, 2018.
Police brief stated that Dick was employed by Air Niugini Ltd as an administration driver since he was employed in 2004. During the time of the offence, he was entrusted with a fuel card by his employer to refuel at Puma Service Station, Eriku.
The court heard that Dick along with an employee of the service station collaborated, sold fuel using the fuel card and applied to their own use the money collected.
It was also alleged that during the time of offence, Dick on more than one occasion purchased a 200-litre drum of fuel and five containers using the card.
In total, the court heard that Dick applied to his own use and that of others a total of K17,000 worth of fuel. Justice Frazer Pitpit considered Dick’s contribution to the community through sports and religious activities and was described as a leader with an outgoing character.
“This offence is one that can probably be described as a conduct that is out of character for the prisoner.”
He further advised Dick that the three years’ good behaviour bond must be served without committing another offence and to be a good citizen in the community.