Three men accused of damaging properties of more than $500,000 at Tamone Settlement, east of Honiara will plea to the new charges against them.
Fred Sikini, 50, Anthony Justin, 33, and Chris Suimae have already pleaded not guilty to the charges of two counts of malicious damage, one count of criminal trespass and another of larceny on a previous appearance.
Prosecution then merged the two malicious damage charges to only one count which they are yet to plea to.
A new charge of threatening & violence was also laid against the trio.
Justin is also facing a charge of arson in relation to the alleged burning down of a kitchen building.
They appeared in the Honiara Magistrates’ Court yesterday and their matter adjourned to April 13 for them to plea to the new charges.
Two of the defence lawyers did not appear yesterday, one was reportedly sick.
Public Solicitor’s lawyer Clifton Ruele who appeared on instructions of his colleagues told the court one of his colleagues had just received the additional charge and need time to consult her client.
His other colleague Resly Brook who represents Sikini had just received disclosures as well and would also need time.
The three men were accused of damaging a permanent building and valuable properties worth more than $550,000 due to an ongoing issue between the two parties.
The alleged incident occurred on 8 April 2014 and has allegedly forced the complainant and his family out from their home and is now living with relatives.
It was alleged that following the incident, attempts were made to reconcile so that the Complainant’s family could return to Tamone, but that was not successful until last year when the complainant decided to report the matter to police.
Public Solicitor’s lawyers Jenny Namo and Tearo Benetiti represents Justin and Suimae while Public Prosecutor Ishmael Kekou is prosecuting.
All accused are on bail and their bails were extended to the next court appearance.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
