Gulf man facing maximum term

National

THE State has asked a court to sentence a man who hijacked a car in Port Moresby a year ago to a maximum jail term of 10 years in prison.
Jonathan Siminji, representing the State, said the armed robbery in its nature was a serious offence and was regular in society.
He said this among other points when making a submission on sentence for Berry Karulaka, 28 of Lese Aviara in Malalua, Gulf, before acting judge Laura Wawun-Kuvi at the National Court in Waigani yesterday.
“The case is serious by using a homemade gun which was in the possession of one of Karulaka’s accomplices possession.
“They threatened the lady victim with the gun and went to the extent of smashing her car’s rear mirror,” Siminji said.
He said although the victim did not sustain any injury, the use of a gun to threaten her and make her get out of the vehicle in the event was sufficient.
Siminji said the offence occurred in a public place (Butubutu Junction at Gerehu) in broad daylight between 2pm to 3pm on Feb 19, 2020, where there were people moving around.
“Karulaka and his friends displayed no regard for public safety and did not have any fear of being caught when perpetrating the robbery.
“Although there was no assault in the event, the act was aggressive which traumatised the victim and the damage on the vehicle was another burden the victim faced,” he said.
He said the court should not consider that Karulaka’s friends influenced him into committing the crime. “Karulaka was 26-years-old when he committed the crime and should be able to distinguish between right and wrong.