10 years in jail for wife-basher

A WIFE-BASHER was jailed 10 years by the National Court in Lae on a charge of causing grievous bodily harm.
Peka Yauna Beva, 32, a father of one, pleaded guilty before Justice Lawrence Kangwia.
The court heard that on March 3, last year, the couple were consuming alcohol when an argument erupted before Beva assaulted her with rocks and bricks.
The medical report showed that she sustained a broken jaw and other injuries.
Justice Kangwia said the charge carried a penalty of life imprisonment.
“Beva is liable to life imprisonment but that is subject to discretion under the law,” he said.
“This is a case of what is colloquially referred to as wife-beating. The offence arose out of a domestic setting after an argument. Sentences for grievous bodily harm with intent are varied.
“The victim suffered severe brain injury and scalp lacerations.”
Justice Kangwia also highlighted that the offence was prevalent in PNG.
“There seems to be a trend by many to act first and think later,” he said.
“If people think first and act later, there could be fewer such offences.
“The weapons or objects to inflict physical harm to fellow human beings must be deterred by sentences imposed.
“The huge publicity on violence against females both in domestic and outside settings reflect the prevalence of the offence.
“By Beva’s repeated assaults, he committed a serious offence under law.
“It was not committed by accident, mistake or under some confusion. It was a deliberate act intended to cause bodily harm to his wife.”
Justice Kangwia said Beva was a repeat offender, who was serving a sentence for a similar offence.
“This is a case that warrants a sentence of 16 years. However, a discount is available for pleading guilty,” he said.