The court has on Wednesday confirmed which magistrate will hear the trial of the Member of Member (MP) of Parliament for East Guadalcanal Bradley Tovosia and Guadalcanal Premier Anthony Veke.
Magistrate Augustine Aulanga will be hearing the trial that is yet to be fixed a date.
The court on the last occasion has adjourned the matter so that a magistrate will be allocated to hear the trial.
Now that it was confirmed which magistrate will hear the trial, the next step is for Aulanga to set a date for the pre-trial conference and for the trial.
Deputy Chief Magistrate Shepherd Lapo yesterday after the confirmation adjourned the matter to today before Mr Aulanga.
This is for him to hear the bail variation that will be made for both accused.
Lawyers representing both accused are applying for the variation of bail to allow their clients to travel out of Honiara and the country.
Mr Tovosia’s lawyer is asking court to vary the condition to allow him to travel overseas but the court also asked if an itinerary can be provided to the court.
Tovosia and Veke are each facing four counts of abuse of office and seven counts of attempted abuse of office.
They are jointly charged in relation to the allegation in July 2010 when Tovosia was working with the Guadalcanal Provincial Assembly and Veke as the Finance Minister for the province.
Anderson Kesaka of DNS & Partners represents Veke and representing Tovosia is Nuatali Tongarutu of ANT legal service.
Police Prosecution Advisor Andie Driu represents the Crown.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
