THE November trial of Carpenters Fiji Ltd’s managing director Daniel Whippy and former National Fire Authority’s board chairman John O’Connor has been vacated and will be rescheduled for 2027.
Magistrate Sufia Hamza informed the parties yesterday the three-week trial could not be accommodated within the available timeframe because of an upcoming judicial workshop and the large number of witnesses expected to be called.
A new trial date will be fixed on September 3 when the matter is next called.
Mr O’Connor is charged with one count of abuse of office for gain, while Mr Whippy faces one count of counselling the commission of an offence.
The duo are alleged to have amended the findings of the investigations into the MH Warehouse fire at Walu Bay in Suva in April of 2018.
In an earlier court appearance, FICAC indicated it intended to call 38 witnesses, while the defence is expected to call six witnesses, including the two accused.
Bail for both men was extended.
