Teen to go on trial for sex with minor

 A TEENAGER charged with having sex with an under-age girl has been referred for sentencing in the National Court.

David Kembi, from Kofena, Daulo, Eastern Highlands, was told by Lae District Court magistrate Posain Poloh that there was sufficient evidence to have his case referred to the higher court.

The court heard that Kembi, out on a K300 bail, committed the act at their settlement in 1-Mile, Lae.

The court did not give the time of the offence. 

The victim was a 15-year-old girl.

Kembi told the court that she was his girlfriend and they had been in a relationship for three years.

“We both agreed to have sex and we did it,” he said.

He asked the court to be lenient on him by considering these mitigating factors.

Poloh, however, said: “I know you both agreed to have sex but the law does not allow it because she is underage.

“I find enough evidence to commit you for sentencing at the national court.”

He extended Kembi’s bail and directed him to reappear in court on June 3.

In another matter, a man charged with conspiracy and misappropriation had his case dismissed by the same court because of insufficient evidence.

Maxwell Kepas, chairman of a landowner association, walked out of court a relieved man after Poloh dismissed the charges.