Loloahi Tapui found guilty of fraud
Wearing a summer dress, Loloahi Tapui, Baroness Scotland’s former house-keeper was today found guilty of fraud, possessing a false identity document, and for overstaying her student visa. She was cleared of possessing false identity documents with intent.
Arriving at Southwark Crown Court, 9.15am Loloahi looked calm and composed. “We’re not even sure that Loloahi realized the severity of the situation.” remarked Matthew from FLYER.
The jury which consisted of eight men and four women took less than one hour in delivering their verdict. Loloahi showed no emotion as the verdicts where read.
Baroness Scotland who made one court-room appearance was not present as the verdicts were delivered.
Lady Scotland said earlier she was confident Tapui had the right to remain and work in the UK partly because her husband, Alex Zivancevic, was a lawyer and spoke with an English accent.
During the trial Tapui also confirmed she was paid £95,000 for her story by the Mail on Sunday, with a £19,000 commission payment going to PR expert Max Clifford.
In summing up the judge warned Tapui the offences for which she faced sentence were “very serious”. Tapui was bailed, electronically tagged and will appear on the 7th May 2010 where she will face sentencing.
