MPs face misuse charges

Source: The National, Tuesday 16th October, 2012 TWO MPs face misappropriation charges for offences allegedly committed during the previous term of parliament. Gulf Governor Havila Kavo and Pomio MP Paul Tiensten appeared briefly before Justice Panuel Mogish yesterday in the Waigani National Court for mention. Mogish told Kavo to appear before him again on Nov 19 when the issue of bail would be dealt with. Kavo is facing one count of misappropriating K133,338 between January and February 2010. He had claimed the money to be outstanding entitlements for the period from August 2008 to August 2009. Kavo was acquitted by the Committal Court last year but police further pursued the matter along with the public prosecutor. Tiensten had been charged with misappropriation of property, corruption and false pretence. He was committed to stand trial at the national court in May, 2010. He is out on a K5,000 bail. Tiensten is alleged to have misappropriated K3.4 million earmarked for the rehabilitation of the Karlai Plantation in East Pomio, East New Britain. Tiensten is also facing misappropriation charges of K10 million provided to Travel Air without going through the proper procedures. Police said the K10 million was earmarked to subsidise airfreight for airline companies operating in areas which were not serviced by Air Niugini. Justice Mogish yesterday said court cases involving parliamentarians would be given priority to be dispensed with early next year.