Three police officers each given 3-year sentences for assault

THREE policemen will serve three years each in jail for assaults that occurred in Daru, Western, two years ago.
One of the victims had his leg broken after he was attacked with a softball bat.
Border commander and acting Assistant Police Commissioner Peter Philip said the Daru National Court sentenced constables Jerry Francis, 31, from Wabag, Enga; Brian Henry, 25, from Nipa, Southern Highlands; and, First Const Ken Bingmalu, 26, from Huon Gulf, Morobe, on Thursday for bashing up eight men on the night of June 1, 2019.
The policemen were alleged to be drunk when the incident happened. Five of the victims sustained serious injuries which required surgery at the Daru General Hospital.
The convicted policemen will serve their sentences at Bomana in the National Capital District.
ACP Philip said the three policemen were at Gamea Police Barracks waiting on the court clerk to issue them conviction certificates before Correctional Service officers would take them into custody.
He said the policemen had been drinking at the barracks on June 1 and realised that they would be on duty from 11pm to 7am shift.
He said that at about 10.30pm, they walked to the police station to sign on for their shift.
While on their way to the station, they attacked several people along the way for no reason.
A betel nut vendor, another man walking and six men working on a stage at a sports field.
ACP Philip said that the trio were arrested on June 11, 2019, and charged with grievous bodily harm and were sentenced on Thursday.