Romer was only carrying out his client's wishes

On the second day of his trial in which former city councillor Ivo Romer has been charged with numerous counts of embezzlement and other offences, his counsel for defence has called for his client to be totally acquitted, claiming the asset manager was only doing what the elderly widow wanted.
 
“In no way did my client embezzle funds from her,” he claimed, as he began a five-hour plea in defence of Romer. “She gave her approval to all transactions he carried out on her behalf. She was the one who decided what was what and also approved the payments sponsoring skiing events in the Alps and those in connection with the EVZ ice-hockey team.”
 
The lawyer went on to claim that it was her very will that her funds should become depleted, to prevent any of her children from getting their hands on any of it. It was out of concern for this that the children had wanted their mother to grant them power of attorney.
 
That the elderly lady and Romer enjoyed a good relationship, with her putting total confidence in him, was not something he should be admonished for, as his lawyer explained. “This is all part of the duty of an asset manager, to develop this sense of trust,” he added. In the end it seemed the relationship was so good that she was willing to support him financially.
 
“It was her wish that my client should continue in this role until her dying day. And it is important to note that when she said this she was completely compos mentis. We have medical and other documentation to prove this,” he insisted.
 
It was mentioned what a self-determined, resolute, almost obstinate, woman she was, a real “grande dame”, who had been spoilt, was complicated and difficult to please, and who had found it difficult to keep staff for long. The conflict between her and four of her five children was mentioned, with Romer complying with her wishes to have her locks changed.
 
Romer himself did not speak a word at the trial. He paid attention to all that was said but showed reaction at all.
 
As to the former city councillor having to find CHF 3.8 million to refund the widow’s heirs in the event of his being found guilty, it was doubtful whether he would be able to do this, as it was not possible to trace all the money in question, some of which had made its way to the principality of Liechtenstein.

The case resumes on Monday.