BY ROMINAH FAKA
The case of member of parliament for Ulawa-Ugi William Marau constituency has been further adjourned for February 10 for mention.
The matter was heard in court yesterday, and prosecution informed court it had received a proposal from defence requesting vacation of the trial date which was set for February 10.
The reason was due to the passing away of their key witness for the trial.
Defence also tendered to court the sworn statement of Marau in support of the written application for adjournment of the trial outlined.
Counsels seek if the matter can be adjourned to heard before the trial magistrate for them to raise the issues in hand and accused Marau are expected to attend court.
William Brandford Marau is re-elected as the Member of Parliament for Ugi/Ulawa Constituency 2024.
Prosecution charged Marau with conversion and he pleaded not guilty.
The allegation alleged that Marau is facing a count of conversion in relation to the allegation of misappropriation of $5 million designated to shipping funds in year 2016.
On April 27, 2017 constituency report was submitted to National Criminal Investigation Department which they investigate following that particular reported submitted.
Prosecution further alleged from the investigation it was revealed that on January 22 of 2016, Solomon Island Government deposited $ 5 million into Ulawa Constituency account with Bank of South Pacific (BSP) for shipping fund.
It was further alleged, on February 17, 2016 the defendant instructed the BSP Bank to transfer the entire sum of said amount $ 5 million into his own personal account with ANZ Bank.
Prosecution also stated 65 withdrawals which total to $ 6,023,326.70 has been made from the defendant personal account.
In addition to that, ten withdrawals amounting to $ 4,550,00 deposited into the business account of Aslan Stationaries with ANZ a private company owned by the defendant.
And at the end of 2016 the remaining balance in the defendant personal account was $27,868.87.
Office of Public Prosecution act for the Crown and Jillian Soaika of Rano and Company law firm act for the defendant.
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