Man admits crime, says sorry before standing trial

By GIDEON KINDIWA
A MAN committed to stand trial on a charge of wilful murder has apologised to God, the victim’s family and the court.
Bonny Valken, 22, from Moputu in Kimbe, West New Britain is alleged to have killed Lester Allen during the New Year celebrations this year at the ATS Settlement in Port Moresby.
“I say sorry with all my heart. I’m really sorry and I would like to apologise to the victim and his family,”Valken said .
“What I did was wrong and I apologise from the bottom of my heart to God, to the victim’s family and also to the court.”
It is alleged that Valken, his elder brother Keith and neighbour Darren were drinking at their sister Janice’s house at ATS.
Allen and two others were celebrating New Year on the road, painting people with black paint.
They tried to paint another youth Jason but he fled into Darren’s home.
Allen and his friends followed him in.
Darren allegedly punched one of the men and ran after Allen and the other man.
He caught Allen and allegedly assaulted him.
Valken and Keith joined. Allen allegedly stabbed Keith on his left hand.
Valken allegedly grabbed a screw driver and stabbed Allen twice on the head and neck.
Allen died on the way to the Port Moresby General Hospital.
Valken admitted to police he committed the offence.
Magistrate Cosmas Bidar said Valken’s statement could help him in during the sentencing if convicted.
“What you told the court is good. You should say the same thing at the National Court.”
He will for listing in the National Court on July 15.