This is not a test of memory!
Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions John Rabuku made this statement while he blasted defence counsel, Samuela Heritage, who was representing drug accused Justin Ho in the 4.15 tonnes of methamphetamine drug trial today.
At the High Court in Lautoka, Mr Heritage had asked Police Inspector, and the ground commander of the major drug bust, Simione Ravouvou a list of questions which was totally irrelevant to him during investigations.
He asked Mr Ravouvou if he was aware of a key witness who was involved in the drug bust operation.
“It seems like you were not aware of all these things,” Mr Heritage said.
“You are saying that the investigators are not relaying all this information to you?
Deputy Director John Rabuku objected to this order of questions.
“The learned counsel from the other side is aware that there is a witness statement that belongs to this person (Denarau worker),” Mr Rabuku said.
“There are 139 witness statements, they can’t be expected to remember all.
“Just show him the statement, it’s part of the disclosures and of course it’s part of the investigations.
“This is not a test of memory, we are to assist him (Mr Ravouvou) to give truthful evidence.
“So, if you got the statement, show it to him. This is the statement prior to the course of the investigations, did you know about this statement and the information on this statement.”
While questioning Mr Ravouvou earlier, Mr Heritage had also asked him if he knew a person of interest that was alleged to have threatened his client, Justin Ho.
Mr Ravouvou informed him he was not the interviewing officer for Mr Ho.
State counsel Joeli Nasa had objected to saying the interviewing officer, Police Sergeant Temesi Saladuadua was never asked about these questions that Mr Heritage was now suggesting.
Mr Nasa said that this was a violation, and he should have placed these suggestions to the interviewing officer, who took the witness stand last Thursday.
Mr Heritage had called in sick last Friday, was present in Court today with his superior and counsel, Iqbal Khan.
Mr Khan had apologised in Court for their non-appearance, stating that it was a miscommunication issue.
In response, High Court judge Justice Aruna Aluthge told them that he was informed by Justin Ho that there were no directives given on their non-appearance and another counsel had informed him that Mr Heritage was on his way to court.
“I apologise for that misinformation,” Mr Khan said.
More details on the drug trial in tomorrow’s copy of The Fiji Times.
