Man found guilty of sexual abuse of 15-year-old niece

By ELIZABETH VUVU
AN elderly man in East New Britain has been found guilty of one count of persistent sexual abuse and four counts of incest of his niece.
The defendant (name withheld) is the elder brother of the victim’s father.
The Kokopo National Court heard the victim was 15 years old when the alleged sexual abuses occurred in 2015.
The victim was living with the defendant and his family at their village (name withheld).
She was doing her Grade 7 when she was abused on four occasions by her uncle.
The victim returned to live with her biological father.
She reported to him the sexual abuses she endured from the defendant.
A complaint was laid with the police, leading to the arrest of the defendant in March 2016.
The defendant was charged with one count of persistent sexual abuse of a child with instances of sexual penetration, and four counts of incest.
Acting judge David Susame told the court last week there was no logical reason for the victim and her father to just make up a case against the defendant, and deliberately tell lies in court on oath.
He said both witnesses maintained their testimonies all through under cross-examination by the defence counsel.
Susame, from his observation and assessment, said they appeared to be truthful.
The defendant will be issued his penalty on a date to be fixed.