Harassment case dropped

By ZEDAIAH KANAU
CYBER harassment charges against a government department official have been dropped because of a lack of evidence.
Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) legal officer Francis Tavatuna had three charges of cyber harassment against him discharged by the Waigani Committal Court after the prosecutions decided to discontinue the case due to a lack of evidence.
Magistrate Danny Wakikura made the ruling on Monday regarding allegations against Tavatuna and ordered his K900 bail refunded after police prosecutor Snr Sgt John Wamugl called for the case to be withdrawn.
Snr Sgt Wamugl informed the court that they had no evidence to support the charges.
Tavatuna’s lawyer Ramsay Pariwa had earlier argued that the police hand-up brief was not sufficient to commit his client for trial.
Tavatuna, 38, from Iawakaka village, Rabaul, East New Britain, was accused of cyber harassment against DAL deputy secretaries.
It was alleged that on Jan 21, Tavatuna sent text messages to the three secretaries – Steven Mesa, Francis Daink and Steven Mombi.
After the decision a relieved Tavatuna told The National that the proceedings had tarnished his reputation and that the evidence, or lack of it, had decided the outcome.
“I respect the work of the police but the courts have the final say on evidence presented,” he said.
“This case has tarnished my integrity and reputation.
“I thank everyone that has been supporting me and also my lawyer for the support.