RULING on the application for a temporary stay of criminal proceedings against Temotu Premier Clay Forau who allegedly misused over $350,000 belonging to his constituents when he was the Member of Parliament for Temotu VATUD will be delivered today.
The outcome of the ruling will determine as to whether or not the trial that was scheduled to start this week will proceed.
Forau is facing 14 counts of conversion.
Jim Seuika of DNS $ Partners last Friday made an application for temporary stay of proceedings on Forau’s criminal case in the Honiara Magistrate Court.
This is based on Forau’s medical condition.
The prosecution on the other hand is objecting the application.
The prosecution intends to call18 witnesses at the trial if it proceeds.
Principal Magistrate Fatima Taeburi was supposed to deliver the ruling at 9.30am yesterday.
However, she said she was yet to complete her ruling and adjourned the matter till today for the ruling.
Forau allegedly misused 350,890 belonging to his constituents between 2012 and 2014 when he was the MP for Temotu VATUD Constituency.
The money was supposed to be paid to recipients of the 2012 Cocoa Industry Support Scheme and Rehabilitation of Coconut Industry Program for the constituency.
He, however, on 14 occasions between 19 October 2012 and 31 October 2014 allegedly fraudulently converted the total of 350,890 for his own benefit.
Public Prosecutor Vernon Taupongi is prosecuting.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
