23 hours Ago By postcourieronline
FOR 52-year-old Police Prosecutor Sergeant Peter Samghy, yesterday marked a monumental achievement, not just for him, but for his entire village. Amidst the proud cheers of 188 graduates at University of Papua New Guinea 70th School of Law graduation, Sergeant Samghy proudly received his Bachelor of Laws degree, an achievement that crowns him the first law graduate from the remote Sibidiri village in the South Fly District of Western Province. Sgt Samghy’s journey has been one of relentless dedication, juggling the demanding roles of a police prosecutor and a law student.
“Being a prosecutor and a student, going to court and school – it’s been a busy schedule,” he admitted, reflecting on the years of tireless effort. “After court, I would go straight to school, and it continued. Finally, this day has come to an end.
” Sgt Samghy said his achievement shows the power of management and discipline, perseverance and commitment to work and studies. The urge and motivation to pursue a law degree was deeply-rooted in his professional life. “On a daily basis we are faced with graduate lawyers in court, we as prosecutors have to upskill with the law – how to prosecute cases, applying the law to the standard the lawyers are using.
This challenge really motivated me.” Now, Sgt Samghy stands on the tip of a significant career shift. “It’s an honour to now be standing on the other side of the courtroom, defending clients.
It’s the icing on the cake,” he beamed. His next goal is to be admitted to the bar at the Legal Training Institute (LTI), a prospect he acknowledges with a touch of humility: “If I’m lucky to be admitted into the bar, LTI, that would be a big achievement.” The possibility of transitioning from prosecution to defence presents a “tough choice” for Sgt Samghy, weighing his long-standing commitment to the police force against a new path in legal advocacy.
“This hard-earned degree carries a deep personal significance. I would dedicate this degree to my late big brother,” Sgt Samghy said. “He passed away in 2022.
” Sgt Samghy’s journey in law is built upon a solid foundation of service within the Royal PNG Constabulary. He graduated from the Police College in Bomana in 1995 and took his first posting as a police officer in Kimbe, West New Britain, where he served for six years. In 2001, he returned to Bomana, this time as a Police Instructor, shaping the next generation of officers for 15 years.
His dedication and expertise led to his elevation as a police prosecutor in 2015. For nearly a decade, Sgt Samghy has been a familiar face at the Waigani Committal Court, prosecuting cases with diligence and integrity. Now, his firsthand experience in the prosecutor’s seat has fuelled his ambition to advocate for justice from the defence side.
As October approaches, it will mark 30 years of service for Sgt Samghy in the police force. His graduation not only celebrates a personal triumph but also signifies a remarkable evolution in his distinguished career, promising a new chapter where his understanding of the legal system can be applied in a different, yet equally vital, capacity..
