The Waigani District Court has found sufficient evidence on the K50M fraud case against former PM and member of Ialibu Pangia Peter O’Neill on the purchase of the two turbo-diesel generators.
O’Neill was charged with one count each on misappropriation, official corruption and conspiracy.
Magistrate Tracy Ganaii said there was insufficient evidence on the conspiracy charges but there was sufficient evidence on the other two charges of misappropriation and corruption.
Therefore, the magistrate dismissed the conspiracy charge and announced that the remaining two charges against Mr O’Neill is likely to proceed onto the National Court.
Ganaii then asked O’Neill if he wished to make the section 96 statement today or make that in a written form to the Court later.
In response to the magistrate, O’Neill’s lawyer Greg Sheppard asked the Court for an adjournment of one week for his client to have is section 96 statement available by then.
The Court then adjourned the case to 9th of December when O’Neill is expected to present his section 96 statement.
Meanwhile Peter O’Neill said he is looking forward to National Court when the matter is officially committed to the National Court.
“There is a suggestion by some of the witnesses that it was a official corruption and missapropriaton of unbudgeted items”
” But we have not presented our evidence in Court, which we will do so in the National Court “
“We look forward to appearing and arguing this case in the National Court.” O’Neill said.
