BY MELVILLE TITIULU
The Magistrate Court has adjourned the matter of a man accused of three counts relating to intimidation and molestation charges yesterday.
The accused, Junior Paul Maenu (Pure) was charged with three counts of Intimidation and Molestation Contrary to section 231(1) of the Penal Code.
The matter was for mention yesterday, where the court was supposed to hear his plea – whether or not he pleads guilty to those 3 counts of charges.
Chief Principal Magistrate Ricky Lomea, in court yesterday asked Defence Counsel whether the defendant was in court or not.
Defence counsel Tukochi, informed court that he understands that the accused was supposed to be in court to make his plea, but his client was not in court so he sought for an adjournment.
Chief Principal Magistrate then asked the defence counsel to give reasons as to why he should allow an adjournment.
Mr. Tukochi informed court that that his client wasn’t feeling well to appear in court, because he was admitted for Asthma at the National Referral Hospital at the early hours of 4am, and was discharged at 7am yesterday.
Defence counsel informed court that he just received that confirmation via text message from his client. Thus, sought leave of the court for the matter to be adjourned to give ample time to speak with his client before his client can come to court to make his plea.
The matter was given a 7 days adjournment till 9 March at 9am for Mention.
The accused was excused of bail and hence, bail was extended.
The Chief Principal Magistrate then reminded the defence counsel that he must produce a medical report by or during the time the matter comes for mention on March 9 at 9am for plea.
It was alleged that the accused, Junior Paul Maenu (Pure) was at Maromaro market area, at Honiara on the 12th of November, 2025 where he intimidated three female persons namely; Salome Reuben, Elsie Gingari and Martha Pumai.
The particulars of the offence said that the accused intimidated them by possessing a pair of scissors and told them that they won’t be cooking there anymore and that he owned the place.
He then used a stone, throwing it at the Kaibar there before using an iron rod to chase the victims causing the fear and insecurity in them and they were lucky to escape him.
The accused was later arrested and taken to Naha Police station for questioning and was later charged.
The court is expected to hear the accused plea to these charges when the matter resumes on March 9 at 9am for Mention.
PC Taromunia appears for the Police Prosecutions while Trevor Mark Tukochi, Senior Legal Officer from the Public Solicitors Office represents the accused.
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