A PROSECUTOR has been ordered to advise court of his position as to whether or not he will accept the defence’s proposal to withdraw the charges against two Asians accused of stealing logs on Rennell, Renbel Province.
Private lawyer Allan Hou has made a proposal to the prosecution seeking withdrawal of larceny of tree and criminal trespass against his clients.
Public Prosecutor Rajah Abe told the court the prosecution does not have sufficient information on the file to address the proposal made by the defence counsel.
This was why prosecution sought police to do further investigation to get more information regarding the case.
Mr Abe said he had contacted the case officer to get feedback but there were no responses from him.
He was unable to contact the case officer on Monday as he was sick.
He then asked for an adjournment so that a memo can be made to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Meanwhile, Mr Hou said his clients are yet to plea to the charges.
He said the initial proposal was made when the file was still with the police prosecution.
Principal Magistrate Augustine Aulanga having heard from both counsels adjourned the matter to December 6.
This is for the prosecution to advise the court on its position whether or not they accepted the proposal.
Mr Aulanga also ordered any outstanding disclosures to be served to the defence before the next court date.
He added given that this case has been delayed, a plea will be also entered at the next court date and a pre-trial conference will be conducted.
Kong Ching Kuok and Chan Cheemin were working with the Supreme Resources Company Limited operating at Rennell at the time of the alleged offending.
They were charged after the Sumlimsum loggers accused them of trespassing into their concession area and stealing logs.
The Supreme Resources Company was engaged by Pacific Crest Enterprise Limited.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
