The trial of a former school teacher has been adjourned to today because the mother of the accused man’s lawyer is seriously ill.
Defence lawyer Aman Ravindra Singh had failed to show up for the matter in court yesterday and again in the afternoon because his mother had suffered a stroke yesterday.
High Court Judge Justice Salesi Temo highlighted in court that Aman Ravindra Singh could have appointed another counsel on his behalf for the trial to continue yesterday as scheduled.
Justice Salesi Temo then told all present in court that he was attending cases even when his father had passed away and even when his family had criticised him.
He said that this is very unprofessional conduct from Singh although he is fully sympathizing with him.
Justice Temo then said that he cannot adjourn this rape trial as there are other rape trials queuing up.
Yesterday, counsel Andrew Liverpool told Justice Temo that Singh had to go to Lautoka because his mother is seriously ill and that Singh has assured him that he will be in court today.
Justice Temo told Liverpool that Singh has to turn up today.
He said he does not trust what some lawyers say until he sees them do it.
He said what happened yesterday should not happen today at any cost.
Liverpool has assured Justice Temo that Singh will be in court today.
The former primary school teacher is charged with four counts of rape and nine counts of sexual assault of students and his trial will take place at 9.30am today.
