Man guilty of blinding victim

A 35-YEAR-OLD man who pleaded guilty to attacking and blinding the right eye of a man with a metre-long chain will be sentenced by the National Court in Waigani on Sept 2.
Justice George Manuhu confirmed Tom Rara’s plea after State prosecutors presented a grievous bodily harm indictment against Rara.
Rara apologised to Nelson Lumbu after admitting guilt and asked for the court’s mercy, saying that he was drunk during the attack.
He said he was a first-time offender and had a family to cater to despite being unemployed as he helped his family with in the informal market to make ends meet.
Rara said he was willing to pay compensation
However, Lumbu refused to settle with compensation and wanted Rara to serve time in jail.
Justice Manuhu then told Rara’s lawyer Bosky Koke, from the Public Solicitors Office, to prepare a pre-sentence report.
Koke also sought bail for Rara saying that he had been faithfully attending court and was not a flight risk.
Justice Manuhu extended Rara’s bail after the State had no objections.
Last Aug 8, at Sabama in Port Moresby, Rara was consuming alcohol in Lumbu’s residence.