The former Premier had to finance the cruise for the seniors. Photo: Andre 'Shadow' Dawson

Stapleton is facing 47 counts of theft.

During a court appearance on Monday December 5, Justice Charles noted that Stapleton’s case is one of the oldest in the assizes and pointed out that such a delay does not bode well with the public.

“Half of the parties [witnesses] may disappear when this trial come to a jury. The Crown has to ensure that such a case should not be lost or delayed in the system. Why this case has to traverse?” the Judge enquired.

Moreover, she was willing to extend the closing date for the assizes to accommodate a trial.

Unfortunately, it has been traversed to the next criminal sitting which is scheduled for February 7, 2012.

According to court records, the accused woman, who was the manager of an agency ‘Cruise by Christine’, was contracted by the Social Development Department to arrange a cruise for seniors to commemorate the 2009 anniversary of Seniors Citizens Month.

However, it was later discovered that Stapleton only made seven bookings for the cruise out of a possible 64 individuals. In all, it is alleged she received $30,609.14, and former Premier Ralph T. O’Neal had to intervene and bankrolled the cruise for the seniors.

The Crown contended that the accused was operating ‘Cruise by Christine’ from her Great Mountain Home.

Stapleton is currently on bail, and will be represented by Stephen Daniels.