BY MELVILLE TITIULU
The criminal conversion case involving MP for Ulawa Ugi William Bradford Marau faces another delay due to his ongoing health issue, the Magistrate Court has heard.
Marau faces one count of Conversion in relation to the alleged misappropriation of $5million designated to constituency shipping funds in 2016.
The defendant was due to stand trial in April 2025 but this was also when circumstances rendered him unfit for trial and required him to seek medical treatment in Australia, and Fiji.
Further medical reports were provided to the satisfaction of the Court and Prosecution, and the Court granted permission with bail variation for him to travel on medical grounds for final treatment in India.
Principal Magistrate Beneteti Tearo presided over the matter when it came for mention yesterday.
Defence was asked to provide an update of the medical status of the defendant.
Defence told court that Marau was still recovering with the medical report still pending.
Tearo reminded defence in court that “it is important to pursue an updated medical report”.
“The Indian Hospital is not a hospital in the bush,” Tearo added.
She was of the view that it is not acceptable that the hospital cannot produce a medical report to the satisfaction of the Court.
“At least the medical report could provide some prospect of reality,” Tearo said.
Defence told the court that Tommy Mana who is the liaison officer responsible for the welfare of the Members of Parliament and who has previously made sworn statements on behalf of the defendant is no longer holding that position at the Ministry due to the current change of Government.
Defence told court that Marau’s operation was carried out in early May.
Defence said it is unaware of the return date as they are awaiting on recovery procedures and defendants’ formalities as per email from the defendant’s wife (Surety).
Tearo proposed to parties that going forward, it would be best if prosecution and defence considered the option of discharge as that would save court’s time “rather than monitor medical report to make projections”.
“This case has gone for years,” Tearo added.
Court documents show, the defendants e-Visa information entailed that a first entry must be on or before June 16, 2026 with a permitted duration of stay of 60 days for short-term medical treatment with triple entries allowed to India – these are exhibited into the sworn statement of Tommy Manna.
The defence was told to freshly update court and prosecution on the defendants’ medical report and sworn evidence (attached email except to sworn statement).
The case returns to court on Monday, June 28.
Ms Jillian Soaika of Rano & Company Lawyers represents Marau and Mrs. Olivia Ratu Manu represents the Crown.
