Judge made right ruling – FICAC lawyer

High Court Judge Daniel Goundar made his decision after carefully going through all the evidence.

FICAC lawyer Nawaratne Marasinghe today highlighted this in the appeal case of Peni Mau, the former Managing Director for Post Fiji and former Chairman Mahendra Patel in the Fiji Court of Appeal.

He said by overruling the verdict of the assessors in the High Court trial, Judge Goundar had not made a wrong decision.

Justice Goundar overturned the three assessors’ not guilty verdict in relation to Mahendra Patel and also concurred with the two assessors’ guilty verdict in relation to Peni Mau.

The FICAC lawyer highlighted today that architect Adish Naidu discussed the issue of the purchase of the Seiko clock for Post Fiji with Mahendra Patel who was directed to talk to Bhupendra Patel.

He said the former chairman allegedly had the full knowledge of the requirement of the clock as he expressed his desire to supply the clock.

Mau and Patel are appealing their conviction and sentence.

The Appeals Court judges will deliver the ruling on notice.

Story by: Ronal Deo