SODELPA MP Salote Radrodro for all intent and purposes resided in Tacirua and has never stayed in Namulomulo Village in Bua but was making frequent visits in the weekend.
This has been highlighted by FICAC lawyer, Joseph Work in the trial where Radrodro is charged with one count each of False Information to a Public Servant and Obtaining Financial Advantage.
Radrodro is alleged to have falsely stated that her permanent place of residence was in Namulomulo Village, Nabouwalu, Bua and allegedly obtained $37,920.13 in parliamentary allowances between August 2019 and April 2020.
While making his opening submission, Work says Radrodro provided two Member of Parliament Declaration Forms; one on the 28th of November in 2018 and another on the 13th of June in 2019.
He says Radrodro's home was and still is Tacirua and the prosecution will paint a beautiful picture that she did not suddenly leave and move residence in June 2019 as she claimed to and created a second MP Declaration Form.
Work says she will continue to stay in Tacirua for most if not all of the activities, correspondence and life that she has set up at her matrimonial home, a place she jointly purchased with her husband.
The lawyer says Radrodro made frequent trips to Namulomulo in the weekends and has a property there but this does not mean she permanently resides there.
He adds they expect MPs to use taxpayers money with care and transparency. Meanwhile, Suva High Court Judge, Justice Dr. Thushara Kumarage has decided against the application for a permanent stay that was filed by Radrodro's lawyer.
Justice Dr. Kumarage says Radrodro could only be charged under Section 201 and not 180 of the Crimes Act.
Radrodro's lawyer, Simione Valenitabua had made an application in court stating that Radrodro should have been charged under Section 180(b) of the Crimes Act which has a maximum penalty of a year instead of Section 201 where the maximum penalty is for five years.
The trial continues.
