SHANEL’s CASE DEPENDS ON HIGH COURT RULING
The High Court of Solomon Islands. Photo credit: SIBC.
The outcome of former Police Minister Peter Shanel’s trial depends on a high Court ruling that will determine if his case was properly investigated.
Mr Shanel’s trial concluded towards the end of last month.
He is charged with one count of assault causing actual bodily harm which he allegedly committed in December 2013, at his Lengakiki home.
Before he stood trial, his lawyer made an application to strike out the case on the grounds that the investigation on his case was an abuse of process.
The Magistrate Court, however, denied the application and ruled his trial to proceed.
However, Mr Shanel’s lawyer appealed against the ruling to the High Court.
This means, the judgement in his trial will be delayed until the High Court hears his application and delivers its ruling.
The High Court is yet to list a hearing on the appeal.