MEMBER of Parliament (MP) for Ulawa-Ugi, William Bradford Marau’s case will return to court again on May 28.
MP Marau was accused of misusing $5 million dollars in shipping funds.
His lawyer will provide his medical evidence to the court after he is still to arrive in the country from Australia.
MP Marau is seeking medical treatment in Australia fortnight ago.
His matter came before the court on Tuesday, for an interim mention leading up to his trial in June 2, and to confirm if he had returned from overseas.
He is facing one count of conversion.
Bail variations were made on the last court date to allow Marau to travel overseas for medical purpose.
Jillian Soaika of Rano & Company told the court that her client was supposed to return on May 11.
However, she said she called about his whereabouts up until the end of last week when Marau’s wife informed her he is still in Australia.
She said her client is currently admitted to a hospital and because of that was unable to travel back into the country.
She added Marau later emailed her that his last review will be on May 29 and is not quite sure when he will return, either end of May or early June.
When asked by the presiding Magistrate if there is any updated medical report since Marau had breached his varied bail conditions, she said she will be working on that.
She also added that even if her client returns before June, she will be asking for time for him to rest as he is really sick.
She asked for an adjournment to allow her to get confirmation from the doctors as well.
The presiding magistrate then adjourned the mater.
Marau’s lawyer is directed to file sworn evidence and evidence on Marau’s updated medical report, and for the prosecution to reply before the next date.
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.
On February 17, 2016, Marau allegedly instructed BSP to transfer the funds to his personal account with ANZ Bank.
Furthermore, the prosecution claims that 65 withdrawals totally up to $6, 023,326.70 were made from Marau’s personal account.
And an additional 10 withdrawals totally $4, 550,000 were deposited into the business account of Aslan Stationeries, a private owned 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
