Woman’s decision angers court

By ZEDAIAH KANAU
A MAGISTRATE and a prosecutor were frustrated yesterday in the Waigani Committal Court over a woman who had sought withdrawal of a domestic violence case after she received compensation from her police husband.
Magistrate Garry Unjo told Elsie Pareka “not to use the court as a scapegoat to get compensation”.
Prosecutor Sgt Sandra Holland shared the view, saying that “there is an outcry in family domestic violence in the country” and withdrawing of such cases was an insult to other victims and a waste of prosecution and court time.
“It is the wish of the complainant (Elsie) to have this matter withdrawn,” she said.
“The court is where you come to ask for help. Although investigations are ongoing, she want to withdraw this matter and it’s out of prosecutions’ hands to continue.”
When Magistrate Unjo asked Elsie why she wanted the case withdrawn, she said: “Because he is my husband and he gave me K1,000 and he said he won’t assault me again.”
Magistrate Unjo said: “That may be a reason but when you choose to raise the matter to the police, you should not be interfering with the proceedings until the court makes a final decision.
“What you’re doing is not good, on record, you’re using this (court) as a scapegoat to seek compensation. But, because of your relationship, being husband and wife, I would have this matter withdrawn.”
Police alleged that on May 18, at about 10.30pm at the Transit Police Barracks, Bomana Police College, Elsie was in the room when her husband, Nick Pareka, entered.
Pareka was drunk when he confronted Elsie.
He asked Elsie for money for fuel and alcohol and continued drinking with another woman.
Pareka continued drinking and accused Elsie of having an affair with her own father and brothers besides the policemen sharing rooms at the Transit Barracks.
Pareka was then alleged to have hit Elsie on her left forearm with a mobile phone.
On May 26, at the Transit Barracks again, Pareka got drunk and allegedly assaulted Elsie again by throwing two empty beer bottles at her head, causing lacerations.
She went to the police post at Bomana and reported the matter.