MP’s officer granted bail

MORESBY North-West MP Lohia Boe Samuel’s protocol officer Fabian Hera, 26, (also known as Fabian Hera Taunakekei) who was charged with murder was released on K5,000 bail on Friday.
Judge Teresa Berrigan also imposed the posting of K1,000 bail for Fabian’s guarantors.
Judge Berrigan said it was unclear what was meant by the state submission and the arresting officers’ statement on bail refusal.
“The State opposes bail submitting that the police were not punishing the applicant for not cooperating in the record of interview and the statement by co-accused Samuel: ‘Fabian, Fabian, why did you do that, why?’ suggests Fabian could have discharged the firearm.
“In any event, he was present at the time.
“The investigating officer opposes bail because the offence involved the use of an offensive weapon and he charged the applicant alongside Samuel because he was the only person close to the deceased (Robert Jerry) when he was shot,” she added.
Judge Berrigan said she agreed with Fabian’s submission, however, the alleged facts described a deliberate, if perhaps unplanned, shooting by Samuel, by his own weapon, following which he immediately fled the scene before returning later, while Fabian remained at the scene “looking lost”.
“It is not suggested by the authorities that this applicant will interfere with witnesses.
“On the evidence he has at all times cooperated with police.”
She said the matters raised by Fabian regarding his family would not on their own warrant bail, the court retains a discretion and having regard to those matters, and the alleged role of Fabian in the alleged offence.