This article may contain graphic and/or adult content unsuitable for minors and sensitive readers.
There's been a new twist in the theft case of a Grahamstown woman, Louise Bowker, who has already been convicted of stealing more than a R1m from a Grahamstown Veterinary Clinic.
On Wedensday, the Asset Forfeiture Unit brought an application for a confiscation enquiry to be held so that some of the assets she acquired with the stolen money and that has already been subjected to a restraint order, can be liquidated to pay back more than R600 000 owed to vet Phillip Gillfilan.
Bowker's lawyer described the application as a 'fishing expedition' and brought in bad faith.
The court is expected to rule on the application on the 8th May when sentencing is also expected to be passed.
State prosecutor Ronelle Brink has meanwhile asked the court to jail Bowker for 15 years, saying there were no substantial and compelling circumstances that would require the court to deviate from the minimum sentence.
Bowker's defence counsel has called for correctional supervision.
Meanwhile, Gilfillan told the court that the theft had put his business under immense strain.
Testifying in aggravation of sentence, he said even though Bowker had repaid some of the money and had offered to repay the rest, the offer was still conditional.
One of the conditions was that the Assett Forfeiture and Sequestration be withdrawn.
Gilfillan also said that he is slowly managing to rebuild his business.
