Priest’s trial to start

 THE trial of a Catholic priest from East New Britain who was arrested and charged with sexual violations of five young school boys in Pomio district in 2012 has been rescheduled to start today at the National Court in Kokopo.

The suspended priest, Philip Kelera, appeared yesterday.

However, the matter was adjourned to today as Kelera’s legal representative from the Public Solicitor’s Office did not show up in court.

Judge Salatiel Lenalia is expected to hear the case today.

Kelera, 47, from Malakur ward, in Pomio, is facing five counts – one count of sexual penetration, two counts of sexual touching and two counts of indecent acts.

Kelera allegedly violated five school boys between the ages of 11 and 15 on different occasions.