One of the accused in a $1.2 million theft trial took to the witness box yesterday for the first time.

Keiva Maronie Durham, 44, began her defence at the Supreme Court against charges, along with husband Jaymo, 52, of stealing the money over seven years from four elderly women who were clients of Ageing and Disability Services.

The Durhams, who are both representing themselves, have denied charges claimed to have taken place between February 23, 2012 and July 31, 2019. They also pleaded not guilty to making and using false statements.

Mrs Durham opted to give evidence after she was given the choice yesterday morning of coming to the witness box and call witnesses, or to decline and say nothing.

After she took the stand at 9.40am, Puisne Judge Juan Wolffe asked Mrs Durham where she lived. The court heard she resides in Warwick.

Mrs Durham began by saying: “Sometimes it is easier to speak than to answer questions.

“A lot of information has been given in this trial and in order to understand and fully comprehend it all, it is easier to break things down.”

She told the jury that her husband, an attorney, had launched a legal business, adding: “Because I had experience in corporate law, I assisted him in his company law firm.

“So, at the start he was the sole shareholder and he was the sole director, so he had sole responsibilities.

“Shortly after the corporation, I came on board as both shareholder and director. We owned the company 50/50 until 2019.

“Thereafter, I pursued other things.”

Mrs Durham explained how she became receiver for alleged victims Muriel and Loretta Smith, and later Nancy Locke. She went on to describe helping with Doreen Stevens’s affairs as well.

She stated: “If any of you have [elderly] parents, you will recognise the full responsibility for having to take care of another human being.

“That’s why receivership is not just about management, not just management of finance and property.

“It’s the management of absolutely everything that touches this person — physically, mentally, financially and emotionally.”

The background took the full morning until the jurors were dismissed for lunch. She carried on after the afternoon break.

The trial continues before Mr Justice Wolffe.

• It is The Royal Gazette’s policy not to allow comments on stories regarding criminal court cases. This is to prevent any statements being published that may jeopardise the outcome of that case