Businessman Imran Khan has applied to withdraw his guilty plea on charges of breaching orders not to dispose of assets, claiming he did not understand what he had been charged with or its consequences.
Khan’s new defence lawyer, Shayal Kant, argued that Mr Khan’s application was made in the interest of justice and not to delay his criminal proceedings, telling High Court judge Justice Thushara Rajasinghe that Mr Khan did not fully understand the nature of the offence or its legal consequences when he entered the plea.
Ms Kant submitted that if her client had been properly informed, his plea would have been different, adding that the defence now possesses a viable case to argue.
Justice Rajasinghe questioned the application, noting that earlier this month Mr Khan explicitly admitted to the charge and the summary of facts, confirming to the court that he was pleading guilty of his own free will without any coercion and fully understood the consequences.
Mr Khan had pleaded guilty to one count of contravention of restraining orders after breaching a court-ordered asset freeze by disposing of a luxury vehicle bearing the registration plate “KNGKHN”.
Justice Rajasinghe pointed out that the court had granted Mr Khan two hours to review the summary of facts before it was formally read to him, at which point he agreed with the facts.
Senior State lawyer Moira Konrote strongly opposed the application, agreeing with the judge’s observations. She argued that no prejudice had occurred during the initial plea process as Mr Khan had been continuously represented by legal counsel.
Justice Rajasinghe has reserved his decision on the application until July 9. He reminded both parties that if the court rejects the application to withdraw the plea, Mr Khan’s sentencing will proceed as scheduled on July 14.
Mr Khan has been further remanded in custody.
