The three assessors in the Mahendra Patel and Peni Mau abuse of office trial have retired behind closed doors to deliberate on their verdict after Presiding Judge, Justice Daniel Goundar summed up the case earlier today.

Patel and Mau are both charged with one count each of abuse of office.

It is alleged that former Post Fiji Managing Director, Mau approved the purchase of an external Seiko clock for $75,000 from Prouds Fiji without following proper procedures and without the approval of the Post Fiji board.

Former Post Fiji Chairman, Patel is alleged to have allowed the purchase of the Seiko clock from Prouds, a company owned by him and allegedly failed to disclose his interest and relationship with the company.

While summing up the case this morning, Judge Goundar highlighted the evidence provided by the witnesses, Mau and Patel.

The Judge called on the assessors to consider whether Mau believed that tenders were not required to be called before the purchase of the external Seiko clock.

Justice Goundar also raised the question whether Mau acted unreasonably by not calling the tenders and whether he acted with improper motive.

The Judge also asked the assessors to consider whether Mahendra Patel used his position to authorize the purchase of the clock, whether he had financial interests in Motibhai company and did he declare his interest, did he act with improper motive, did he benefit from the transaction and lastly did he put Post Fiji to a disadvantage.
 
The abuse of office charge carries a maximum sentence of three years imprisonment.

The case has resumed this hour.

Stay with us for developments.

Story by: Vijay Narayan and Ronal Deo