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State v Natakuru - ruling [2005] FJHC 476; HAC0004Y.2005S (7 October 2005)

IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
AT SUVA
CRIMINAL JURISDICTION

Crim. Case No: HAC0004 of 2005S

STATE

v.

JOSUA NATAKURU

Hearing: 7th October 2005
Ruling: 7th October 2005

Counsel: Mr. D. Prasad & Ms S. Puamau for State
Accused in Person

RULING

The Accused asks for more time to prepare cross-examination of the Investigating Officer. This trial is now being held 4 years after the allege offence. It is a retrial. The Accused has had ample time to prepare his cross-examination questions, and he has conducted his defence ably thus far. Indeed his questions at the voir dire were searching and relevant.

Any adjournment of this officer’s evidence will result in further delay in the trial. That is not in the Accused’s best interests. Nor is it desirable for the Assessors. Furthermore my role is to ensure that the Accused is not prejudiced by lack of representation. That includes assisting him with questions.

It is not in the interests of justice to further adjourn the trial. It will proceed this afternoon.

Nazhat Shameem
JUDGE

At Suva
7th October 2005