Officer to face trial in K1mil case

A POLICEMAN has been committed to stand trial for alleged armed robbery from a liquor shop of more than K1 million in cash and items.
Magistrate Cosmas Bidar at the Waigani Committal Court committed Israel Henry, from Kubalia in East Sepik, to stand trial in the National Court on one count of armed robbery and one count of damaging property.
Henry was allegedly involved with other officers in robbing the White House Club at 5-Mile, Port Moresby on April 1 last year.
“There is overwhelming evidence to warrant committal of the defendant to stand trial,” Bidar said.
“The defendant and other police officers went to the premises on a complaint of noise pollution, but no one has been arrested and charged.
“Instead, the officers allegedly robbed the liquor shop and a certain amount of beer and spirits and cash has been stolen.”
Bidar said the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras captured what transpired and Henry also admitted being present at the scene.
Bidar said although the police officers acted on orders to intervene and stop the noise they did not have a search warrant to enter the premises.
He said there was no evidence of anyone being arrested and charged for the noise caused.
“The alleged offence took place during Easter.
“Someone reported to police about noise coming from the premises.
“The officers got orders to check and stop the noise and arrest suspects, but they allegedly broke into two shops and a storage container located within the White House premises and stole items and cash.” The stolen items include cash money, beer, spirits, wine, cigarettes, soft drinks, flex and top cards, mobile phones, laptops and other store goods which added to a total value of K1,039,589.20.
The matter will return on Monday for Henry to file statements under Section 96 of the District Court Act before the case’s listing in the National Court.