A self confessed missionary to Samoa has been found guilty of six charges of theft.
Grant Newman Holland, 72, appeared in the Supreme Court yesterday to hear the decision of his trial, held earlier this month.
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Holland was found guilty on one joint charge with principal offender, Vaioleti Stowers, and five other charges on the basis that he aided Vaoileti Stowers in the commission of the offences.
The decision was handed down by Justice Elizabeth Aitken.
The matter has been adjourned to 16 December, 2015, for sentencing, together with the principal offender Ms. Stowers.
Between 21 January and 3 February, 2015, Holland, together with Vaioleti Stowers, stole six rental vehicles and sold them to different buyers.
Vaioleti Stowers admitted to the crime, however, Holland did not.
In the decision by the Supreme Court, it states that the accused denied receiving any money from any of the buyers.
In his evidence given to the Court, Holland said he was concerned about renting six vehicles in his name and at the same time.
He told the court that he had no knowledge whatsoever of what was going on behind the scenes. The decision reads that Justice Aitken is satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Mr. Holland was a joint principal offender in the theft of the Nevarra truck. In that decision, she states that he was clearly involved in the obtaining and delivery of the truck, and in the receiving of money for it.
However, in respect of the other five offences, it was clear that the accused aided Vaioleti Stowers in committing the crimes.
In light of the fact proved, there is also a clear inference to be drawn that he knew why she directed him to rent the vehicles, and in so doing he intended to help her in committing theft of each of those vehicles, the court’s decision stated.
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