Man charged with unlawful use of vehicle

A MAN who was absent five times for mention finally appeared at the Waigani Committal Court after a warrant for his arrest was ordered.
Nirius Vinau, 41, from Rabaul, East New Britain, was charged with unlawful use of motor vehicle and dangerous driving, causing injury.
He did not attend his first hearing on Jan 4 this year, and was absent on four other adjournment dates.
He told Magistrate Cosmas Bidar that he did not know the court dates because police did not tell him when he will appear for first mention.
“Did you bother to come and check?” Bidar asked.
Vinau said he checked once and his name was not on the court diary so he left and did not return.
Bidar cautioned him and said it was his responsibility to check the court registry and find out. Bidar revoked his warrant of arrest and told him to return on another date.
The offence took place on Dec 15 last year at Gordon Cameron Road between Gordon Secondary and Gordon Police Barracks, Port Moresby. Vinau allegedly drove a vehicle at high speed and went off the road and hit a pedestrian on the walkway.