Incomplete reports delay sentencing of trio

By JAYNE SAFIHAO
A MOTHER, her son and two nephews found guilty of murder by the Madang National Court had their sentencing adjourned to tomorrow because of incomplete pre-sentence reports.
Lawyer Anne Turi, from the public solicitors office and representing Catherine Mal, Emmanuel Ong, and Lotivi and Mosses Mal, said her clients needed the court to make certain inclusions in the finalised supplementary report before judgment was passed.
The adjournment is to allow for certain facts pertaining to the deceased’s wife willingness to accept a reconciliatory payment of compensation for her and her children, and of being at peace with the Mal family after her husband’s death.
Judge David Cannings allowed for the adjournment.
Later outside the court, Naim and Lydia Mal, two sisters of the accused confronted this reporter and threatened her not to “write reports that were tarnishing the family image”.