Wife-bashing cop dismissed

CONSTABLE Simon Bernard, who was at the centre of media attention last December over the torture of his wife, Joy Wartovo, was dismissed from the police force on June 27, The National reports.

Police investigators found that:

*On Dec 7 last year, at the Gordon police singles barracks in NCD, Bernard tortured his wife, causing severe injuries to her body by using a hammer, an axe, pliers and hot iron by cutting her fingers and burning her on her left arm and left leg;

*Bernard acted in a manner that was prejudicial to good order and discipline in the force; and

*On Dec 21 last year, in Port Moresby, Bernard acted in a manner that discredited the force by being featured in a media report on his continuous beating and torture of his wife.

Police said no written explanation was received from Bernard.

"While he did not submit any explanation, the evidence produced by state witnesses, including photographs of the injuries sustained by Wartovo, showed clearly that he did commit the offences of family and sexual violence against his wife."

Bernard was found to have breached the police commissioner's circular No.06/2007 in relation to family and sexual violence.

Police said Bernard's dismissal "is intended to serve as a deterrent penalty".