The Court heard that in 2002, a widow, Miriama Marama, after her husband had died, was approached by the accused Kirisitiana Takayawa, a typist at the Public Trustee, to help Marama get $6,000 released from the Public Trustee, which was left for her two sons by her husband.

Takayawa, for the release of the funds had asked for $1,500, which was given to her in cash by the complainant Marama. Takayawa then used the money for personal reasons and had avoided the complainant for four years.

Marama then took the matter up with the Chief Executive Officer Justice Ministry Sakiusa Rabuka, who then instructed Police to conduct investigations. The matter was then brought before Magistrate Waqavolavola who stated that he would not fine the accused as it would jeopardize her job however he handed her a sentence of 18 months imprisonment suspended for 3 years.