Over 20 Prosecution Witnesses in VNPF GM’s case

May 19, 2022 | News | 0

VNPF GM Achary (r) and his lawyer Mark Hurley outside the Magistrates Court yesterday.

The legal counsel handling the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) of Vanuatu National Provident Fund (VNPF) General Manager (GM), Parmod Achary, is concerned with the continuous adjournment of his client’s case.

Lawyer Mark Hurley made this clear in the Magistrates Court yesterday, after GM Achary’s PI was adjourned for the third time.

He emphasized the continuous delay by the Office of the Public Prosecutor has not only affected his client, but also the staff and members of the Fund.

Mr. Hurley made the statement when Prosecutor Ken Massing informed the court that he had just deposited the case file to the office of the Magistrates Court yesterday morning.

Mr. Massing also asked for a further adjournment in order for Prosecutions to submit another supporting sworn statement, in relation to the revocation of Achary’s bail conditions.

Mr. Achary is facing charges of indecency without consent and alleged Leadership Code breach. Mr. Massing told media outside the court yesterday that the Prosecution has laid six charges of indecency, as well as six charges under the Leadership Code against the VNPF GM.

He further revealed the Prosecution has more than 20 witnesses to support the charges against Mr. Achary. Bail conditions imposed against the VNPF GM are extended until the PI next week. Under the bail conditions, Achary is prohibited from: entering the VNPF building, interfering with the Prosecution’s witnesses and leaving the island of Efate.

The PI is now relisted for May 24. Mr. Massing has to register his supporting sworn statement by the 20th of May, followed by Mr. Hurley’s response on the 23rd of May.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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