Insult costs woman K1,500

A WOMAN was arrested and fined by the Lae District Court for using abusive and insulting words towards her mother.
The court ordered Samantha Raka, 24, from Daulo’s Watabung village in Eastern Highlands to pay a fine of K1,500 or be jailed for six months at Buimo prison for a breach of peace using abusive and offensive words towards another.
Presiding magistrate Jacinta Doa when passing sentence said young people and youths needed to have respect for their elders in the community and this type of behaviour was not condoned.
“The use of threatening and insulting words creates problems within the family and community,” she said.
“You are provoking a breach of peace, communication is key, communicate well without using such abusive words to your own family members.”
The court learned that Raka had no prior convictions and was unemployed. “You have no paid job and this is your first time in court so it will be lenient on you,” Doa said.
“Pay this fine or go to Buimo.
“I hope this teaches you a lesson and you learn from it.”
It was alleged that Raka smoked marijuana regularly, was verbally abusive and drank home brewed alcohol as well as committed petty crimes and her poor approach to her family was an ongoing issue.
On April 25 between 2pm and 3pm at the family home in 4-Mile, Lae, Raka initiated an argument over an adopted child which led to her verbally abusing her mother.
In a separate case, Doa fined Manu Garong, 28, from Iosu village, Kavieng, New Ireland, K200 or a night in jail for public drinking and being in possession of alcohol at gate five of the Lae main market.
Doa added that drinking in public places was an on-going issue and the court would do its part to ensure offenders were sanctioned.