BY ROMINAH FAKA
The trial involving the member of parliament for Northeast Guadalcanal Jamie Lency Vokia has adjourned for July 24.
The defendants in the case include Ethel Claudia Lency Vokia, Jamie Lency Vokia, Rose Tala, Polycarp and Beason Moses.
Presiding Chief Magistrate Emma Garo was sick and thus suspended the trial to continue Wednesday next week for continuation of cross-examination of Dr Derek Sikua the complainant in this case.
Bail was extended for all five defendants.
The prosecution charged all five defendants with conspiracy to defeat justice and interference with the witness contrary to section 116 (b) of the Penal Code to be read with section 21 (a) and (c) of the Penal Code (Cap 26).
Prosecution alleged Mr. Jaimmie Lency Vokia, directed his agents to bring Hilda Vuturua from her home village to testify on his behalf in the election petition case filed against him by Dr. Sikua.
When Hilda Vuturua decided to tell the truth after witnessing her son, Walter Sale give evidence in court, that she saw Mrs. Ethel Vokia gave money an amount of $250 to her grandson Basil Dii to induce him into voting for her husband, Mr. Vokia. That was when the defendants Mrs. Vokia along with defendant Tala, Peresini and Moses interfered and prevent Ms. Vuturua from going to court.
Prosecution further stated that the defendants took Vuturua to lawyer office to make a new sworn statement, stating that she could not attend court because she was sick and did not want to testify against her son Basil in court.
Furthermore, to support the claim prosecution further alleged that they took Vuturua to Medical Centre where they obtained a medical report to support their claim that Vuturua was too ill to testify in court.
Sabrina Habu from Public Prosecution Office appears for crown and Wilson Rano of Rano & Company act for all accused.
