Chapter 235: Court - Part 4
235 Court - Part 4
Friday, continued …
When Rosemary's answer was finished being translator, the Embassy official returned to the court room."Sorry to interrupt sir, however I have your answer.Mrs Jones, is in fact a registered nurse practitioner, and works in Warrnambool Victoria.She has been such for six years, and according to the information I obtained her Bachelor's degree and Master's Degree were both awarded by the University of Melbourne.Hopefully this assists the court."
"Thank you it does.Ms Jones you can return to sit with your sister-in-law and her husband."The judge paused while Rosemary returned to sit with Hou Yi and Anna.
"Due to that confirmation, Ms Jones' evidence, despite being Madam Hou's sister-in-law is from a qualified professional.The recommendations she has explained are from Madam Hou's medical team and show a progression.With that, the plan to progress Madam Hou's time on crutches, and taking into account the media outside, I will not be granting the defence motion at this time."
"This court will not interfere with medical decisions relating to Madam Hou's recovery.However Mr Nang, while this case remains in the court system I will require you to file a written update as to Madam Hou's time on crutches.If tehre is no increase in time, that update must contain the explanation as to why.If it is not failed or there is no explanation, I will grant the defence application.
"Yes Sir," responded Alister Nang
"Gentleman, I will give you a couple of minutes to speak to your client's before proceeding."
Alistair Nang turned to Hou Yi and Anna."I expected that.This judge is sensible.We had your sister, and could prove her expertise, so there was never a question that he would not accept her evidence.I was almost certain that the ruling not to grant the application would occur.You, being in a wheelchair is a temporary matter, and another case today before the court involves a crime that put someone permanently in a wheelchair.Dismissing your case would mean that that case would have to be dismissed."
"I suspect, they will now offer to plead to assaults ignoring all their other behaviour, and press for a minimal fine without any conviction.They will then chalk that up to the cost of doing business.My recommendation is to refuse that offer, and the national prosecutors representative I believe will not agree.The investigations showed that Mr and Madam Lu have been ruthless in their actions.What do you want to do?"
"No way, not that deal.Anna was injured as a result of their cumulative actions, and they need to be held accountable."Immediately responses Hou Yi.
"Alister what are they charged with?"
"Madam Hou, both have charges relating to assault, bribery, criminal slander, corporate espionage and stalking.The only difference is that for Mr Lu there is the assault is replaced with a charge of aggravated violence towards a former partner.There were charges relating to fraud, making false complaints to police and other matters, however there is a significant connection to Australia, and it is still being debated as to where the charges should proceed."
"For me, I am happy not to proceed with the stalking charge as I suspect it will be the hardest to prove.If it gets a deal, but everything else to proceed on the understanding that there is still a pending decision on some charges as to the correct jurisdiction.The only thing is I need some long term protection to stop a repeating cycle of abuse."
"Alister, from the company perspective, the corporate espionage charge has to proceed," added Hou Yi.
As Hou Yi finished speaking, the judge said "Gentleman, what did your client's have to say?"
Alister Nang stood up "Madam Hou and Hou Enterprises, the victims in this case would be happy if Madam Lu pleaded guilty to assault, bribery, slander and corporate espionage and Mr Lu to aggravated violence towards a former partner, bribery, slander and corporate espionage.This is on the understanding that there is a pending decision between the national prosecutors office here and the national attorney-general's office in Australia as of cross national jurisdiction issues."
As soon as he finished speaking the defense lawyer stood up "That it completely unacceptable.Both my clients would be willing to accept a plea on the assault matter, provided it was agreed that there was no conviction for either of my clients, and as a penalty they donated 50,000 to CEO and Madam Hou's charitable initiative.We believe that in all the circumstances that this is appropriate."
"That is completely unacceptable.Mr and Madam Lu are trying to minimise their responsibility for their actions, and the penalty is for someone with the access to the wealth they have, is not a penalty at all."
The Judge looking at Alister Nang said "Mr Nang, given there is no early agreement on teh charge, please explain to me what evidence the police have uncovered?"