The trial of Manoa Kamikamica has been stood down for 45mins for the court to make a ruling after the prosecution sought an adjournment to amend the charges and provide additional disclosures.
State prosecutor Josann Pene informed Magistrate Charles Ratakele this morning that the prosecution intended to amend the charges, a decision she said was made earlier today.
Ms Pene told the court the decision followed information that came to light during a witness conference.
Defence lawyer Wylie Clarke strongly opposed the application, arguing that the prosecution had previously confirmed it was ready for trial and that the matter had been before the court since September last year.
Mr Clarke told the court the defence had agreed on a bundle of documents on 16 July and had spent the weekend preparing for trial, only to learn shortly before proceedings that the prosecution intended to seek amendments.
He submitted that there was no legal obstacle to commencing the trial, noting that the law permits charges to be amended before the close of the prosecution’s case if required by the evidence.
Mr Clarke also argued the prosecution had failed to provide a clear timeframe for serving the remaining material and said Mr Kamikamica should not continue to face uncertainty after the case had been pending for months. Mr Kamikamica faces one count of perjury and one count of providing false information to a public servant.
