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Paying in advance for meals, drinks is normal in Oz: Jessica
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Murder defendant Jessica Kumala Wongso heads to her seat during her trial at the Central Jakarta District Court on Sept. 22. (Antara Photo/Rosa Panggabean)
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essica Kumala Wongso gave testimony during a court hearing on Wednesday to explain why she settled a bill at Olivier restaurant long before her friends Wayan Mirna Salihin and Hani arrived, amid a case in which Jessica stands accused of Mirna’s murder.
Jessica said paying for meals and drinks in advance was normal in Australia, where she lived for some time. At Olivier on Jan. 6, Jessica paid for a Vietnamese iced coffee for Mirna and two cocktails for herself.
"Paying in advance was my habit in Australia. If my friend wants to order another drink or meal after that, it is the other friend’s turn to pay," Jessica told judges on Wednesday, adding that she wanted to treat Mirna because Mirna had treated her twice before.
As the incident occurred in January, Jessica claimed to have forgotten some details of the events leading up to Mirna’s death. However, Jessica was sure that she did not move Mirna's coffee and did not put a straw into the glass at the restaurant.
She added that she did not remember where she put three paper bags containing soap as gifts for Mirna, Hani and Vera — another friend who was expected at the restaurant for dinner. Jessica also could not recall her exact position on a bench at the venue.
Jessica is accused of killing Mirna by putting cyanide into her coffee at the restaurant. Mirna died on the way to the hospital. (bbn)
