Man given suspended sentence

A MAN in Lae was given a two-year suspended sentence to promote restitution after being found guilty by the National Court of causing wilful damage to a vehicle over election related issues.
National Court judge Justice John Numapo said the defendant and the complainant had agreed to resolve the matter through restitution and compensation and, therefore, a jail term would not serve any useful purpose.
“A suspended sentence was most appropriate as it gives the prisoner the opportunity to pay restitution for the damages caused to the vehicle and also payment of compensation to those injured,” he said.
Gunau Gwanden, from Mumeng in Bulolo, Morobe, was found guilty of one count of unlawfully and wilfully damaging properties.
Justice Numapo said the court took into account that the prisoner was a first-time offender and a well-respected community leader who knew the complainant.
Gwanden had been consistently making his court appearances while on bail.
Justice Numapo said Section 19 (6) of the Criminal Code provided for suspended sentence that could be given at the court’s discretion.
He sentenced Gwanden to two years imprisonment but suspended the sentence on conditions that the defendant pay restitution for the damages caused to the complainant’s vehicle within two months, pay K3,000 as compensation along with a pig and food according to custom within one month, be on good behaviour and keep the peace for a period of one year, and pay a surety fee of K500.
Failure to comply with the orders will result in Gwanden serving his term in prison.