DEPUTY Chief Magistrate yesterday acquitted a couple of stealing a substantial amount of money from their employer.
Ricky Iomea found them not guilty of all the charges against them and acquitted them.
Carman Qiusheng Liu and his wife Vivian Xi Tong had stood trial for two counts of Larceny by Clerk and one count of Conversion.
The complainant, who is the couple’s employer, reported the matter to the police after he allegedly found local and foreign currencies in a bag inside the couple’s room.
He had entrusted the couple to look after his shop whilst he went to China in 2019.
However, when he returned sometimes later, he claimed his shop was not doing well as before he went to China.
He then alleged that the couple stole SBD $80,000 and foreign currencies, USD $4,160, AUD $6,100, NZD$1,490 whilst he was overseas.
The couple denied the allegations and a trial commenced.
At the end of the trial, Mr Iomea, found the couple not guilty of the offences.
Jim Seuika from L & L Lawyers represented the couple while Public Prosecutor Steward Tonowane appeared for the Crown.
BY ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
