Man facing rape charge granted bail

By JIMMY KALEBE
A 34-YEAR-OLD man charged with raping his wife and failing to provide child support between 2019 and November, was granted bail by the Lae Committal Court on Friday.
Neville Niuro, from Ranara village, Rai Coast, Madang, appearing before Magistrate Pious Tapil, was ordered to pay a court bail of K2,000 while his two guarantors were to pay K200 each for a total of K2,400.
Police prosecutor Chief Sgt Gallus Gumbaia objected to the bail application stating that the defendant was the husband of the victim and, therefore, could unduly influence her.
Magistrate Tapil assessed the bail application and the prosecutor’s objection and ruled in favour of Niuro.
Niuro is required to report to police every fortnight, to appear for all court dates, not to interfere with State witnesses and must keep 100 metres away from his wife and children until all court proceedings end.
Police alleged that Niuro, between 2019 and 2021, had subjected his wife to regular verbal and physical abuse when she failed to give him money.
Niuro would allegedly argue with and beat his wife whenever she refused to have sex with him and accuse her of having extra marital affairs.
The court heard that the defendant would then leave the family for periods of time and return and do the same thing again.
The court was told that on Oct 25, the defendant, who was allegedly drunk, went to attend to his child at Gabensis village, Huon Gulf.
He asked his wife for money and when she refused, he attacked her knocking her unconscious.
Police also alleged that when the defendant gave money to support his two children, he would later demand to be repaid by the wife.
Niuro admitted to committing the offences after police arrested and charged him.
He will appear for mention in court on Nov 17.