Defence lawyers for Yvette Dainne Nikolic requested an early trial date for their client before Justice Aruna Aluthge at the High Court in Lautoka, yesterday.

Defence lawyer Rajesh Gordon asked the court for an early hearing because both the accused, John and Yvette Nikolic, were foreigners and that Yvette was currently studying in Australia and was due to graduate 2020.

“If she misses out then this could mean her losing out on her degree and financially,” Mr Gordon pleaded with the High Court.

He confirmed that their clients pleaded not guilty and they denied all charges against them.

Mr Gordon appeared on behalf of defence lawyer Wassu Pillay in yesterday’s hearing.

However, Justice Aluthge said his diary was full until November next year for trial cases.

Mr Gordon asked Justice Aluthge if the matter could be presided over by another judge if he could not fit the case in his schedule.

He added that the pre-trial matters needed to be sorted out first before they could decide whether he can fit in the Nikolic trial at an early date.

Mr Gordon indicated the trial, when it did get underway, would last between two and four weeks.

“So the Nikolic’s being home before Christmas, if they are released, depends on whether their trial will get an early date this year.”

The State filed a formal application to consolidate charges for both accused.

The matter has been adjourned to August 28, 2018, for the State to file consolidated information.

Edited by Epineri Vula

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