Woman guilty of careless driving fined K1,300

A WOMAN, 32, was fined K1,300 for driving without care in default three months’ imprisonment.
Waigani Traffic Court magistrate Rebecca Kwaiyalai yesterday told Everlyn Kongoi, of Yombi village, Imbonggu, Southern Highlands, that the fine must be paid by July 22 after she had pleaded guilty to the charge.
Magistrate Kwaiyalai noted the offence was becoming quite prevalent, saying that a deterrent penalty would warn future offenders.
“The court has to take a stance to deter offenders from committing such offence,” she told Kongoi.
“So the court would impose a fine of K1,300 and in default you will be imprisoned for three months.
“The court notes that you are on K300 bail.
“So the K300 bail will be converted to pay part of your fine and your remaining balance of K1,000 – you’ll be given two weeks to pay that.” On May 12, at about 5.30pm, Kongoi was driving a white Toyota Hilux along the Kina Bank car park in Central Waigani, Port Moresby.
Kongoi parked at the car park while waiting for the complainant, Daisy Levi.
When Levi was trying to drive out, Kongoi drove towards her, trying to ram her vehicle but managed to only scrape the front right side, causing minor damage.
Police found the accident to be deliberate which resulted in the arrest of Kongoi.
Meanwhile, a taxi driver facing a similar charge, had his bail increased from K500 to K1,000.
Magistrate Kwaiyalai imposed this on Moses Yame, from Chuave in Chimbu, because she felt that K500 police bail was not enough.
She told him to pay another K500 by July 22.
The matter returns for trial on July 23.