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Western Province’s Wobiro’s Leave For Appeal Granted

The Waigani Supreme Court has granted an application for appeal filed by convicted Western Governor, Ati Wobiro, former Provincial Administrator Dr. Modowa Gumoi, and businessman, Norman May.

Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia granted the decision after he ruled, and he was satisfied that the three had an arguable case.

He made the decision after the court was told that a critical finding was not considered when the verdict on their sentence was handed down.

The three men are applying for a review of their 10-year sentence. They were present in court when the decision was handed down today.

They submitted through their lawyer, Goiya Gileng that there was an error in their verdict and are asking the courts to review their verdict.

Mr. Gileng told the courts that the trio were found guilty of misusing K350,000 but they were given a sentence for misappropriating over K7 million.

Mr. Gileng submitted that K350,000 from that K7 million was used for road construction, while K24,000 of the same money was used to purchase furniture for the office.

He also said, a meeting had taken place on 28th March, 2013 which was attended by members of both North and South Fly.

Though he did not provide evidence of the meeting minutes, the Chief Justice said there is an arguable case because of a pay slip that shows that allowance of the meeting was paid three days before the meeting.

The trio were found guilty by the Waigani National Court in November for conspiracy to defraud the state and misappropriation.

The court found that the three conspired and set up the Fly Care Foundation.

They were sentenced to 10 years each in prison by Justice Martin Ipang.
Last month, the trio applied for bail on medical grounds, their applications for bail were refused by Chief Justice, Sir Salamo Injia.

An amended appeal will be made before the Supreme Court next week.

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