Hospital staff in Court for alleged theft

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 21 August 2018, 12:00AM

Three hospital workers facing charges of theft as a servant appeared before Supreme Court Justice Vui Clarence Nelson yesterday morning.

They are Pio Fesolai, Fou Sekone and Amanono Mafualo.

Fou is represented by lawyer Leiataualesa Komisi Koria whereas Fesolai and Mafualo did not want any lawyers.

Prosecution was Vei Fa’asii of the Attorney General’s Office.

“I appear for the second name defendant, Fou Sekone. This matter was adjourned to today (yesterday) for prosecution to submit some new information in relation to Fou Sekone,” said Leiataualesa.

“However, your honor, there is no change in relation to prosecution’s submitting new information so we are still proceeding on information S275/18.

“[And] in respect to that information, the defendant still maintains his not guilty plea so it’s a matter of setting a new hearing date.”

Justice Vui then told defense counsel that the matter will be referred back to the criminal mention list to set a new hearing date.

“I’ll go ahead and pursue with the sentencing of the other two defendants but your hearing date will have to go back to the list,” Justice Vui told defense counsel.

As for Fesolai and Amanono, the matter against them was adjourned for prosecution to file a sentencing memorandum.

 “Therefore this matter will be adjourned to September 3 for the prosecution to bring all the information needed by the court.

“Bail conditions to continue, especially don’t miss signing at the police office and remember that date so you have to come back.

“As for Fou Sekone, through your lawyer, he confirmed that you maintained your not guilty plea therefore this matter is adjourned to next week Monday for criminal mention to set a new hearing date.

“Bail conditions to continue.”

Earlier this year, the trio were accused of allegedly stealing pharmaceutical products from the Hospital Pharmacy as well as being part of an alleged ring to manufacture methamphetamine or ice. 

According to the police summary of facts, at Moto’otua in between December 31, 2017 and January 1, 2018, the defendants were employed by the National Health Services. 

They took 16 large boxes of paracetamol estimated to $10,560, products of the National Health Services.”

Fesola’i and Mafualo both entered guilty pleas to this charge.

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 21 August 2018, 12:00AM
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