THE prime witness in the case against the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ulawa-Ugi, William Bradford Marau, accused of misusing 5million dollars in shipping funds, has passed away.
Marau is facing trial on February 10 for one count of Conversion.
On Monday, during an interim mention, the defence counsel Jillian Soaika sought at least a month’s adjournment due to the sudden passing of the prime witness, a former Constituency Development Officer (CDO).
The defence needs time to pay respect, find an alternative witness for the trial and obtain fresh instructions from Marau.
The prime witness, who was a prosecution witness, also played a crucial role in the defence case, given his involvement with Marau in the events alleged by the prosecution.
Deputy Chief Magistrate Ricky Iomea adjourned the matter to the next interim mention on February, with any application to vacate the trial to be heard on that date.
Marau’s bail was further extended.
The prosecution alleges that Marau converted SBD5million in shipping funds paid into the Ulawa-Ugi Constituency Account with Bank South Pacific (BSP) in 2016.
On 22 January 2016, Solomon Islands Government (SIG) paid the funds into the constituency account and on 17 February 2016, Marau allegedly instructed BSP to transfer the funds to his personal account with ANZ Bank.
Furthermore, the prosecution claims that 65 withdrawals totaling up to $6, 023,326.70 were made from Marau’s personal account and an additional 10 withdrawals totaling $4, 550,000 were deposited into the business account of Aslan Stationeries, a private company owned by Marau.
At the end of 2016, the balance remaining in Marau’s personal account was $27, 868.87.
Public Prosecutor Olivia Ratu Manu is prosecuting this case.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
