BY MELVILLE TITIULU
A man has pleaded not guilty to domestic violence (DV) at the Honiara Central Magistrate Court.
The accused who cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim was initially charged with one count of domestic violence and physical abuse, and two counts of unlawful wounding. These two cases are consolidated.
The victim in this case is the wife of the accused person.
The unlawful wounding charges were withdrawn by the prosecution yesterday on the basis of absence of medical report to substantiate the charge.
The court granted the withdrawal of the unlawful wounding charges which resulted in the accused being acquitted of that charge.
As to the remaining count of DV and physical abuse, it was alleged that the accused on December 24, 2025, physically abused his wife by kicking her head.
The offence of DV attracts a penalty fine of $30,000 or 3-years imprisonment or both a fine and imprisonment.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge of domestic violence when he was arraigned in court yesterday.
Defence told court that given the accused pleaded not guilty, she wished to have the matter adjourned for Wednesday for her to make a bail application for the defendant.
Principal Magistrate Ben Alasia granted an adjournment for Wednesday next week to hear Defence bail application, and directs that Defence prepares the bail application papers prior proposed mention date.
The main case was adjourned to May 20 for oral PTC preparation.
In the meantime, a remand of warrant was extended for the defendant.
Jeremy Oifa appeared on instructions from Mr Steward Beto, and he represents the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Sylvia Pitamama of the Public Solicitors’ Office, represents the accused.
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