Legal battle between DPP & Magistrate to start

A three member panel of judges will start hearing arguments on Monday in the legal battle between Magistrate Judith Pusey and Paula Llewellyn, Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) concerning the Cuban Lightbulb Trial.

The High Court will hear submissions from both sides over the next four days.

The corruption trial of Kern Spencer, former Minister of State for Energy, was stalled four months ago after the DPP filed an action in the Supreme Court challenging a ruling by Ms Pusey.

Ms Llewellyn accused the Magistrate of ordering her to give a statement about meetings with accused-turned star witness Rodney Chin.

In her claim, the DPP has asked the High Court to declare that the Order made by Ms. Pusey on April 20, is unlawful, unreasonable, and in breach of  Section 94 of the Constitution.

She is also seeking a declaration that the Magistrate cannot compel the DPP to write a witness statement in any case.

Mr. Spencer and his former executive assistant Colleen Wright are accused of funneling money out of the Cuban Lightbulb Programme by forming several dummy companies.

The corruption trial, which has been stalled pending the outcome of the judicial review, is set to resume on September 17 in the Corporate Area Criminal Court.