THE matter of a former Member of Parliament for Temotu VATUD Constituency and Caretaker Premier of Temotu Province Clay Forau Soalaoi will return to court today.
That is for fixing of the trial dates before Principal Magistrate Fatima Taeburi.
This matter was mentioned in court yesterday before Magistrate Michael Fagani as Magistrate Taeburi was not available.
Mr Fagani therefore adjourned the matter to today to go before Magistrate Taeburi to fix the trial dates.
Jim Seuika of DNS & Partners, who represents Soalaoi, yesterday mentioned to the court that he intends to travel to the province as he was involved with a campaign team.
He also informed the court his client intends to contest the provincial election.
The issues of the travel of Mr Seuika and his client will be raised when the matter returns to court today.
The prosecution has yet to close its case on this matter after calling nine witnesses.
Soalaoi is on trial for 14 counts of conversion over allegations he misused $350,890 belonging to Temotu VATUD Constituency when he was the Member of Parliament between 2012 and 2014.
The money was supposed to be paid to recipients of the 2012 Cocoa Industry Support Scheme and Rehabilitation of Coconut Industry Program.
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.
Soalaoi, however, denied these allegations.
Public Prosecutor Vernon Taupongi appears on behalf of the Crown in this matter.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
