PPL CCO charged with sexual assault

Dr. Booker, 47 years old, from England, is alleged to have sexually harassed his 31-year-old colleague. The alleged incident is said to have occurred on May 17, 2024 at the accused’s residence in Port Moresby.

It was alleged that the accused took the young woman to his home at the Era Matana Apartments on Ela Makana Street in Port Moresby between 12:00 and 14:00 on 17 May 2024. According to the victim, he forced her to undress and although she rejected his sexual advances, he forced himself on her and had sexual intercourse with the young woman.

Later that evening, the defendant administered painkillers to the victim when she complained of body aches. She said her alleged attacker administered the liquid substance with a syringe. An hour later, she felt unwell, cold and disoriented, but was only given a tiny sip of water to drink, despite asking Kenneth to take her to a hospital.

When Kenneth went to the bedroom to look for something warm to wear, he allegedly attacked her again and tried to forcibly remove her clothes. According to the victim, she resisted while he covered her nose and mouth and then strangled her to stop her from screaming. He let her out onto the balcony so she could get some fresh air. She said she saw a security guard when she looked over the balcony railing, but her attacker pulled her back as she screamed for help.

Another struggle ensued and the accused wrestled the young woman onto the living room floor, strangled her and then forcibly took her back to the bedroom. The victim claimed she was able to escape when her attacker’s phone rang and he had to answer the call. According to the statement, she was rescued by a family friend and taken to Hohola police station where she filed a formal report.

The accused was arrested the next day, on May 18, and charged with sexual assault under Section 349(1), rape under Section 347 of the Penal Code and attempted rape under Section 348 of the Penal Code.

Presiding Judge Paul Puri Nii read out the charges and explained his constitutional rights.

Nii then ordered that his passport and work visa, currently held by the arresting officer, be handed over to the court for safekeeping. The judge adjourned the matter until July 1 to allow the police to prepare for the handover.