Lawyer charged for violating Civil Aviation Laws

A state lawyer and a sales officer were arrested by police in Madang this week for breaching certain rules and regulations of the Civil Aviation Act, whilst under the influence of liquor.

Lawyer, Western Lei, aged 33 from Parchen Village in Yangoru-Saussia District of East Sepik, and Alphonse Pove, 27 from Haruape Village in Kikori, Gulf Province, were apprehended by Madang police upon arrival at the Madang terminal last Thursday, November 27, for acting in disorderly manners onboard an Air Niugini flight, PX 125, from Wewak to Madang.

Police said Lei is the associate to Lae's resident judge, and Pove is a sales representative with Courts Furniture PNG.

Both are graduates of the University of Papua New Guinea.

Lei has a Law Degree and Pove holds a Diploma in Business Accounting.

The duo reportedly threatened and insulted members of the cabin crew- actions that had caused fear and anxiety amongst other passengers, and the flight crew whilst the plane was airborne.

The duo continued their disorderly behaviours in Madang, where the aircraft made a brief stopover.

However, Madang's Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Robert Baim, said their disorderly behaviours got worse at the Madang Airport when the plane was about to take off for Port Moresby.

"They even used insulting words to the cabin crews, which disturbed other passengers, and got to the pilot's attention."

Both drunk men were offloaded at Madang Airport, and the Air Niugini Management immediately alerted police.

Baim said policemen quickly responded to the situation and apprehended both men, arrested and charged them for Behaving and Acting in an Offensive manner on an aircraft under Section 275K (1) (a) (b) of the Civil Aviation Act, 2000.

Both were denied police bail as per instruction from the bailing authority in the province as the offence is serious and was likely to cause an accident while the aircraft was airborne.

They were to have appeared for mention today at the Madang District Court, however; their case has been adjourned to Monday next week.

Superintendent Baim strongly condemned the actions of the two men, stressing such behaviours are unbecoming of educated persons.

He added that no one is above the law.

"For a lawyer to have acted in such manner is improper and demeans his status and the position he holds.

"He should know better that no one is above the law.

"Whether you're an executive or a simple person, the same law applies to everyone.

"Being drunk is not an excuse for someone to walk away free with their misbehaviors or mistakes", PPC Baim said.