Two men accused of robbing a taxi on Christmas Day are now armed with lawyers from the Public Solicitor’s Office (PSO).
Lawyers representing the two accused, Daniel Kotiu and Michael Asilaua appeared for the first time in court on behalf of their clients.
The two accused have been looking to have legal representatives and have decided to represent themselves in court.
Principal Magistrate Fatima Taeburi yesterday told them that they were already being allocated lawyers.
She asked them to confirm their position as to whether they still prefer to have lawyers represent them or stand alone, to which they agreed to have legal representatives.
Both their lawyers have confirmed receiving the disclosures but sought time to get instructions from their clients.
Ms Taeburi therefore adjourned their matter to February 16 for pleas.
Both accused are facing charges in relation to the allegation on about 6pm on 22 December, at the Honiara Central Market.
After helping his aunt unload empty sacks from the taxi, the Complainant opened the boot of the car and sat down when the accused men allegedly approached him.
They allegedly asked the Complainant to drop them off at King George, East Honiara but the Complainant however told him he already signed off for the day and therefore would not be able to transport them.
The Complainant allegedly told them to get another taxi.
The accused men however insisted and while they are still talking, one of them allegedly punched the Complainant who fell backwards into the boot of the car unconscious.
They allegedly drove to King George labour line area where they stopped the car and allegedly punched the Complainant again and drove off again.
Along the way they allegedly tied up the Complainant’s hands and legs and also tied his shirt over his eyes.
The Complainant managed to free himself when the vehicle ran out of fuel opposite the Don Bosco School at Henderson.
The accused men got out of the vehicle and walked westerly direction when the Complainant untied his hands and legs.
The Complainant reported the matter to Henderson Police who caught up with the accused at the Custom Garden area, at Burns Creek area.
Police only arrested two of them as three others escaped.
PSO lawyers Jenny Namo and Ben Alasia represents both accused while Police Prosecutor Lyndon Adifaka is prosecuting.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
