Kapris allowed to have a lawyer

BOMANA prison officials have been told to allow alleged bank robbery mastermind, William Nanua Kapris access to his lawyers.
Deputy Commissioner of the PNG Correctional Services (Operations) Henry Wawik was told yesterday that warders must allow lawyers to visit Kapris and assist him on his court proceedings.
Justice Panuel Mogish said he was mindful about the seriousness of the offence committed by the accused and the work of police and CS officials to maintain strong security.
But he pointed out that the prisoner’s rights must also be considered. 
These directions were issued when Kapris told the court that he had no lawyer to assist him in his matter due to the strict conditions imposed by the CS officials on visitations.
Kapris told the court that he served almost 16 months in prison without being allowed visitations from lawyers and relatives, adding that he cannot defend himself as he had not arranged for a lawyer due to the strict conditions.
David Dataona of Dataona Lawyers, who assisted Kapris earlier on with the armed robbery charges told the court that he did made some attempt to visit Kapris in prison to provide legal advice on several occasions but the CS officials restricted his entry.
He said that was why he needed time with his client.
Justice Mogish adjourned the matter to Nov 3 for further hearing.
The judge also advised Kapris that the court would not  issue any orders to allow visitations from his relatives.
He said if he wanted relatives to visit, he (Kapris) must apply to court.
Three other suspects in the Madang bank robbery also told the court that they wanted their matter to be transferred to Madang because the incident had occurred in Madang and most of the witnesses were in Madang.
Justice Mogish advised them that their lawyers have to submit proper applications in the next hearing date.