Magistrate: Consent is a must

By BEVERLY PETER
A COMMITTAL court has discharged a sexual assault charge against a 26-year-old man who allegedly kissed a girl without her consent in Port Moresby early this year for lack of police evidence.
Magistrate Paul Puri Nii in Waigani yesterday in freeing Emmanuel Welia, of Southern Highlands, said men must always get permission of the woman they have interest in before making any moves for sexual purposes.
He then told Welia not to go around and kiss any girl he wants but must respect and get their consent first.
Police allegeded that between July 2021 and January this year, Welia on several occasions attempted to sexually assault the victim, leading to the recent offence.
The victim was 16 years old and was Welia’s sister in-law’s niece.
The alleged offence occurred when the victim went to spend her holidays with her aunt who was married to Welia’s older brother.
Welia lived in the same house.
Between 11pm and midnight on Jan 16, the victim and the anuty couldn’t sleep so they asked Welia for his phone to watch a movie.
At around 2.30am, the victim was still watching when she heard footsteps approaching the room and when she saw Welia, she gave him his phone back as she thought he came to get the phone.
Welia allegedly told the victim to follow him outside where he allegedly grabbed both of the victim’s hands and started kissing her.
The next morning, her uncle (Welia’s brother) saw marks on her neck and asked, the victim revealed everything and Welia was arrested and charged.