Man committed to trial in National Court

A Lae Committal Court has committed a 30-year-old man to stand trial in the National Court for slashing another man with a bush knife in January.
The court made the ruling after establishing sufficient evidence against the man’s charge of grievous bodily harm.
Johnny Harry, from Jafirio village, Finschhafen, Morobe, was alleged to have committed the offence at Water Loo, Kamkumung, on Jan 1, in Lae on Russel Sengi.
Senior Magistrate Pious Tapil made the ruling after a medical report was presented in court to prove the element of the charge.
“Before the court now, there is sufficient evidence to prove the element of the charge and you will be committed to stand trial at the National Court in the next mention on May 16,” he told Harry.
The court also extended Harry’s remand at Buimo prison.
A police brief alleged that Harry was drinking alcohol with a group of boys next to a house at Water Loo, Kamkumung on Jan 1, when Sengi and his relatives walked passed them.
Police said Harry swore at them.
Sengi and his friends replied with the same swear words.
The court learnt that Sengi and his friends then went to buy cigarettes at a market table.
Harry went after them with a bush knife and slashed Sengi on his right hand and then on his right leg.
The court also noted that Sengi’s friends chased after Harry but he escaped while Sengi was brought to the hospital and was treated for the injuries.