Warrant backlog piles up

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Monday February 10th, 2014

 ACTING judge Justice Stephen Oli is concerned about the backlog of bench warrants awaiting execution in East New Britain.

Speaking during the opening of the legal year at the Raluana United Church, in Kokopo, last Friday, Oli said the bench warrants that were outstanding from 1989 to 2013 totalled 214.

“These very people are in the community sleeping and eating with us,” he said.

“A collective approach by all stakeholders is required to apprehend the offenders and allow them to have their day in court.”

He said rather than harbouring them, members of the community should bring them to the court to reduce the number of offenders at large.

“The total number of bench warrants outstanding over the last 24 years is indeed quite staggering,” Oli said.

Oli said community leaders, ward councillors and citizens in ENB must join hands with the provincial administration to assist police by reporting any sightings of these offenders.