Alleged A.T.M. thieves suffer insomnia

By Lanuola Tupufia – Ah Tong 27 September 2016, 12:00AM

The two Chinese men accused of stealing more than $10,000 from the Bank of the South Pacific through the Automated Teller Machine (A.T.M.) are seeking bail.

Zhong Shuiming and Yang Quigreen are represented by lawyer, Alex Su’a.  

In the Supreme Court yesterday, Mr. Su’a said his clients are suffering insomnia at the Tafaigata cell where they are kept with 18 other prisoners.

 “They have been arrested and have remained in custody since 24th August,” he said. “There is also a condition of prohibition to use cell phones and they have not been able to contact their families. I seek an application for bail to be granted on condition that I will advise the Court on.”

Mr. Su’a also advised the Court that lawyer, Leota Raymond Schuster, will no longer be representing the defendants, but the prosecuting lawyer, Lucy Sio, of the National Prosecution Office, objected.

“The offending involves an amount of money which is subjected to fraudulent activities and which is why I strongly oppose bail.”

But Mr. Su’a disagreed. He reminded the Court the defendants have had their Chinese passports and money ceased by the Police.

 “They are not high risk in terms of travelling,” insisted Mr. Su’a. “I also haven’t received any charges of information but the defendants have presented to me an article in the Samoa Observer which reported the matter and the defendants strongly object to the allegations.”

Chief Justice, His Honour Patu Tiava’asue Falefatu asked the lawyer to a written application for bail with supporting evidence by Monday, 3rd October 2016. 

He also that the Prosecution finalise the charges by then. In the meantime, the defendants remain in custody.

By Lanuola Tupufia – Ah Tong 27 September 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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