French Polynesian mayor appeal conviction

10:10 am on 6 July 2019

The former mayor of Huahine in French Polynesia has been in the court of appeal challenging last year's conviction for abusing public funds.

The prosecution has again asked for Felix Faatau to be given an 18-month prison sentence, to be fined $US2000 and to be deprived of his civic rights for five years.

Mr Faatau, who was an assembly member of the ruling Tapura Huiraatira until the last election, maintained his innocence.

Among other things, he was convicted for pocketing money which an accommodation manager paid to the local council.

He was also found guilty of giving a council-owned bus and driver to his daughter's business which ran school buses, whose bills were then met by the council.

The appeal court is due to deliver its ruling on the 1st of August.