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Monday, 12 January 2009
The criminal case against two of the three accused in the Cuban light bulb racket ran into troubled waters in court Monday.
The trial did not get underway as expected due to a quarrel between the defense and the prosecution over a decision to drop charges against one of the accused.
The trial against Kern Spencer and co-accused Colleen Wright failed to get started after defense lawyers raised strong objection about how government prosecutors are proceeding with the matter.
Director of Public Prosecution Paula Llewellyn told Presiding Magistrate Glen Brown that she will be dropping the criminal charges against Rodney Chin when the trial actually begins.
However, defense attorney for Kern Spencer Patrick Atkinson expressed outrage at the prosecution.
He argued that the defense was being placed at a disadvantage without the benefit of disclosure arising from statements given to the police by Rodney Chin who will testify against Kern Spencer and Colleen Wright.
After lengthy submissions, Judge Glen Brown agreed that more time was needed by the defense to prepare their case.
The matter will again be mentioned on January 21.
In the meantime, the DPP has amended one of the criminal charges against Colleen Wright, she is now charged with aiding and abetting corruption.
The criminal case against two of the three accused in the Cuban light bulb racket ran into troubled waters in court Monday.
The trial did not get underway as expected due to a quarrel between the defense and the prosecution over a decision to drop charges against one of the accused.
The trial against Kern Spencer and co-accused Colleen Wright failed to get started after defense lawyers raised strong objection about how government prosecutors are proceeding with the matter.
Director of Public Prosecution Paula Llewellyn told Presiding Magistrate Glen Brown that she will be dropping the criminal charges against Rodney Chin when the trial actually begins.
However, defense attorney for Kern Spencer Patrick Atkinson expressed outrage at the prosecution.
He argued that the defense was being placed at a disadvantage without the benefit of disclosure arising from statements given to the police by Rodney Chin who will testify against Kern Spencer and Colleen Wright.
After lengthy submissions, Judge Glen Brown agreed that more time was needed by the defense to prepare their case.
The matter will again be mentioned on January 21.
In the meantime, the DPP has amended one of the criminal charges against Colleen Wright, she is now charged with aiding and abetting corruption.
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