Woman to reappear in court

A Central woman has pleaded guilty to stealing a baby boy from his mother during Independence Day celebrations at Murray Barracks in Port Moresby last year.
Cathy Kini appeared at the Waigani National Court  from custody yesterday and scheduled for reappearance tomorrow when sentencing submissions are expected to be made.
Justice Panuel Mogish confirmed said there was an indication that the baby was returned safely by Kini.
He said Kini was a first-time offender.
Kini from Kapari village, Abau, in Central, told court that the child’s mother Angela Guai had promised  her that she was going to adopt the child and allegedly asked her to take the child on Sept 16, which she did.
Kini said she cared for the baby for a month and later the child’s mother Guai came and took the baby.
According to the State however, the baby stayed with Kini for two weeks and five days at 5-Mile in Port Moresby before he was returned to Guai.
Kini apologized for her actions and asked the court for mercy. Kini said Guai, who was the complainant, had her arrested and detained after taking the baby back.
Mogish said it was a rare case that was brought to his attention.
Kini’s lawyer and the State prosecution sought adjournment until tomorrow so submissions on the sentence could be made.
It was heard that Guai and Kini were friends since 2013 and both lived at Hohola until Kini visited her on Sept 16.
It was during their conversation when Kini suggested they go to Murray Barracks for the celebrations.
While there, Kini pretended to change the baby’s diapers and left with the child without informing Guai until three weeks later, when Guai met with a relative of Kini and ask for the child. Kini is remanded at Bomana.