CONVICTED GULF REGIONAL MP HAVILO KAVO SET FREE ON BAIL

Convicted Governor set free on bail

The Supreme Court in Waigani has granted bail to convicted Gulf Governor Havila Kavo.

Sitting as a single judge, the Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia granted bail this morning.

The court was satisfied with reasons given by Kavo's lawyer Ian Molloy, that he was a holder of public office and has duties to perform, that there is a likelihood of an appeal against his conviction turning out successful, and that there is still a delay in hearing the appeal case, which is the substantive matter.

The court allowed a K5000 bail, with conditions that he attends his case which resumes in February 2015, must not interfere with State witnesses, and must not leave the country without authorization from the court.

Governor Kavo was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment by the National Court on the 9th of December, after he was convicted of misappropriating more than K131,000 in public funds.