Lawyer representing the man accused of attacking a Renbel Chief at the Kingsley Food bar last year has been ordered to appear in court on July 28.
This is so that he can confirm to the court on the form of preliminary inquiry his client prefer.
George Gray of Public Solicitor’s Office who represents Frank Fakani had initially opted for a long form preliminary inquiry.
The matter had since then been adjourned for several times due to his non-appearance in court as he was on leave.
He had already resumed duties, but did not appear yesterday again because he was reportedly sick.
Yesterday’s appearance was to set a date for the long form preliminary inquiry.
Public Prosecutor Florence Joel told the court she had emailed Mr Gray but had not received any response.
She said, the matter has been adjourned for several occasions due to the non-appearance of the defence counsel.
Ms Joel added that if Mr Gray fails to appear on the next court date, she will make a submission for the matter to be committed by the way of a short form preliminary inquiry.
Fakani’s co-accused Ben Alami during his recent appearance was already committed to stand trial in the High Court.
This followed a short form preliminary inquiry conducted on his case during which the presiding magistrate found sufficient evidence to send him to stand trial in the High Court.
Fakani and Alami are both facing the charge of attempted murder in relation to the incident on the morning of 8 November, 2014 at the Kingsley Fast Food bar, Point Cruz.
Poly Tepai was having his meal with another Asian Kenny Wong and a local when Alami allegedly came from behind and hacked him with a 60 centimetre-long knife.
Prosecution alleged Tepai flew in from Renbell to Honiara on that morning.
He made his way from the airport accompanied by Mr Wong to Kingsley where he was attacked.
The men then left in a car allegedly driven by Frank.
Tepai nearly lost his left hand but Doctors were able to save his hand and life.
Two other men, owner of the Samlimsam logging company, a Malaysian Pau Kiu Den and another local Buddley Fakani were also charged for the attempted murder but were later discharged due to insufficient evidence against them.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
