THE verdict of three men accused of the brutal murder of a young diplomat outside of the Honiara Central Market in 2012 has been further deferred.
Justice Francis Mwanesalua said he will hand down the verdict, Tuesday next week.
The adjournment was made because one of the lawyers representing an accused who faces an additional charge of unlawful wounding is currently in the province on a court circuit.
Justice Mwanesalua said the sentencing submissions and mitigation for the unlawful wounding charge can be made in court, Thursday next week.
The three accused Cecil Manu, Simon Peter Delemani, and Peter Diau have denied the murder charge and have stood a trial in the High Court.
The deceased Mr Fuoโ o was serving with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at that time of the alleged incident.
He was attacked when he came out of his vehicle to confront a group of men who set up a road block outside of the market.
The accused allegedly stabbed him with knives and hooks and inflicted multiple wounds on his head, mouth and back of which he died of bleeding.
The incident occurred on the early hours of April 21, 2012 outside of the Honiara Central Market when Fuoโo was on his way home with friends after night out.
A fourth accused, a 20 year-old who was a juvenile at the time of the alleged offending who admitted the murder charge was already sentenced to nine years imprisonment.
Sarah Karani, Nigel Galo, George Gray, represents accused while the Director of Public Prosecutions Ronald Bei Talasasa represents the Crown.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
