Man jailed for not paying for hire car

AN elderly man, who hired a vehicle that finally cost K281,000 by false pretence, was sentenced to five years in prison by the Waigani National Court.
Deputy Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika handed down the sentence to Wesley Kopman, 65, from East New Britain, to serve three years, 11 months and three weeks. One year and a week was deducted for time he spent in custody. Kopman was charged with obtaining goods by false pretence.
Sir Gibbs told Kopman that gold business was a lucrative one.
“You are an elderly man, an elder in your church with a university education, a role model to many.,” he said. “The most important thing is to live the life you can afford, a simple Papua New Guinean life. You don’t have to be somebody else.
“You don’t have to live a high luxury life with things gained through deceiving other people. Be honest to yourself and others.”
It was alleged that on July 14, 2015 Kopman wanted to hire a car. He was introduced to Nita Makande, who owned the vehicle, by his friend Kenneth Andia.
The court heard that Kopman told Makande that he was involved in a gold business and needed a vehicle to transport gold buyers and sellers between banks and their hotel and lodges. Makande agreed to Kopman’s offer at a rate of K1000 per day for 16 days.
Kopman promised a sum of K2000 as upfront payment in the afternoon that day and the balance later. However, the court was told that Kopman did not do so as promised.
The court heard that after 16 days had lapsed, there were no payments made. Kopman made various excuses to pay Makande in the remaining months of the year. He kept the vehicle for nine months without any payment. His total debts months added up to K281,000.