POLICE Minister Peter Shanel will appear today in the Honiara Magistrates’ Court for the pre-trial conference on his case.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Central Guadalcanal has on the last occasion entered a not guilty plea to the assault causing actual bodily harm charge against him.
The matter was then adjourned for a pre-trial conference today before Chief Magistrate Emmanuel Kouhota.
Shanel’s co-accused Steven Ben Wako did not enter his plea because his lawyer was not present on the last occasion.
He will also appear today in court.
Mr Kouhota has on the last court appearance ordered prosecution to serve the disclosures before yesterday’s appearance to Wako’s lawyer.
Both accused facing the same charge in relation to the allegation on 17 December, 2013 at Shanel’s Lengakiki residence.
The alleged victim who is from Malaita is married to a woman from Mamasa village in Central Guadalcanal and resides there with their seven children.
Prosecution alleged that the alleged victim, his wife and seven children are registered voters of ward 19 in the Vulolo area at which Shanel was their Parliament Member.
On that day of the alleged incident, it was alleged the alleged victim was at Shanel’s residence following a promise made by Shanel to pay $4,600 for the completion of his house at Mamasa.
According to the police allegation, the alleged victim was frustrated on that day because the promise was said to have been long overdue. The MP allegedly promised the alleged victim that money way back in 2011.
It was alleged that he was talking loudly when suddenly Shanel’s co-accused Wako punched him on his forehead and left eye causing bruises.
Shanel then allegedly intervened and punched the victim on his left ear causing bleeding to the ear.
It was further alleged that the MP then held on to the alleged victim’s back-pack, pulled him towards him and kicked the alleged victim on his legs, which resulted in the victim allegedly falling on the ground.
Whilst on the ground, police alleged Shanel kicked him several times on his face with his left leg.
Shanel allegedly wore official boots at that time.
The matter was then reported to police by the alleged victim.
Francis Waleilia of Tandai Lawyers represents Shanel while Wako is being represented by the Public Solictor’s Office.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
