BY ROMINAH FAKA
The judgment in the case against former Member of Parliament for Temotu, Clay Forau Soalaoi, has been adjourned to September 6.
The judgment was initially set for last Friday, but it was not ready for delivery, leading to the postponement.
Clay Forau Soalaoi has pleaded not guilty to all 14 counts of conversion charges brought against him by the prosecution.
The trial is being overseen by Principal Magistrate Fatimah Teaburi.
Forau faces allegations of misusing $350,890 belonging to his constituents between 2012 and 2014 while serving as the MP for Temotu VATUD Constituency.
The funds were intended for the 2012 Cocoa Industry Support Scheme and the Rehabilitation of Coconut Industry Programme for his constituency. However, it is alleged that on 14 occasions between October 19, 2012, and October 31, 2014, he fraudulently converted the funds for personal use.
Vernon Taupongi from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions represents the Crown, while Jim Seuika from DNS & Partners Law Firm represents Forau.
