NIKOLIC SUMMING UP CASE NEXT WEEK
The case was listed yesterday for closing submissions by the prosecution. They waived their right to a closing submission.
The summing up of the case involving Australian national, John Nikolic, who is facing charges of importing, possessing illicit drugs, arms and ammunition will take place next week.
Nikolic appeared before Justice Daniel Goundar yesterday at the High Court in Suva. He was charged after the drugs, cash, arms, and ammunition were found on board his yacht the ‘Shenanigans’ on June 22, last year, at Port Denarau Marina in Nadi.
The case was listed yesterday for closing submissions to be filed by the prosecution. However, the prosecution chose not to file this. Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Lee Burney told the court that Nikolic was in control of the illicit substances and had refused to give evidence so he should be found guilty of the charges against him.
He also told the court that the prosecution should only give a closing submission in circumstances of complexity.
The lack of complexity was due to Nikolic’s position, he said.
Mr Burney told the court that there was no suggestion that Nikolic had a licence for arms and ammunitions and in fairness it was the right thing not to deliver a closing submission.
Nikolic’s lawyer, Wasu Pillay, did not object to this.
He told the court that he had accepted the prosecution’s decision not to make a closing submission.
Justice Goundar called in the three anonymous assessors and told them that the prosecution had waived their right to a closing submission.
Nikolic chose not to give evidence and remained silent.
The case was adjourned to February 28. Edited by Caroline Ratucadra