BY MELVILLE TITIULU
A man has pleaded not guilty to three counts of intimidation and molestation on three females yesterday.
The defendant, Junior Paul Maenu (Pure), was charged with three counts of intimidation and molestation, contrary to section 231(1) of the Penal Code.
It was alleged that Mr Maenu at Maromaro market area east Honiara on November 12, 2025 intimidated three females.
Court heard that the defendant intimidated them by possessing a pair of scissors and told them that they will not be cooking there anymore and that he owned the place.
He then used a stone, and threw it at the Kaibar there before using an iron rod to chase the complainants causing fear and insecurity in them and they were lucky to escape him.
The defendant was later arrested and taken to Naha Police station for questioning and was later charged.
The defendant was arraigned yesterday where the Magistrate court heard whether or not he pleaded guilty to the three charges.
Chief Principal Magistrate, Ricky Lomea asked defence whether the matter was ready to proceed to Pre Trial Conference (PTC) or adjourned for a fixed PTC date.
Prosecution proposed an adjournment.
Defence informed court that he will not be available from March 16-27 as he will be travelling on a court circuit to Isabel Province and asked court’s leave for the matter to be adjourned for a date after March 27.
After consideration of adjournment proposals, Chief Principal Magistrate Lomea adjourned the matter for Friday, March 13 at 9am for PTC preparation.
In the meantime, parties are to settle PTC documents and issues which should be filed before Friday, March 13.
Bail for Maenu was extended to Friday, March 13.
Police Constable Mr Taromunia appeared for the Police Prosecutions and Trevor Mark Tukochi, Senior Legal Officer from the Public Solicitors Office represented the defendant.
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