Man fined K500 for abandoning wife, kids

A 35-YEAR-OLD man who abandoned his wife and three children to stay with his second wife was fined K500 in default three months jail under the Lukautim Pikinini Act.
Luke John, from Baiyer, Western Highlands, was arrested on April 13 under Sect 79 of the Act, pleaded guilty to neglecting his family yesterday in the Mt Hagen District Court.
Magistrate Jacinta Doa ordered John to report to the welfare director to come up with a plan on how best he could provide for his children aged 18 months, three and five.
The prosecutor told the court that John failed to provide adequate support for his children after he went to live with his second wife.
Joaan Kuri reported John to Baiyer police station several times on the welfare of his and her children.
Kuri testified: “My husband never looked after our children. We have no house to sleep and I look the children myself.
“My husband at one time gave me K60 to look after the children and left after spending some minutes talking to his second son. The police told him to give money to the family and to provide for his children but he never did.”
Kuri said her husband abandoned his family in 2017 to live with his second wife.
John pleaded guilty and said he was sorry and that he would try his best provide and care for his family.
Doa told John present his plan to provide and care for his wife and children on April 24 for endorsement.