Man accused of killing his father given two weeks to choose new legal team
45-YEAR-OLD WANTS WELSH FIRM FOR DEFENCE BUT JUDGE WARNS DELAY COULD LOSE TRIAL DATE
A MAN accused of murdering his father has been given a fortnight to arrange a new legal team.
Tony Thomas, 45, of Minffordd near Penrhyndeudraeth, appeared virtually at Mold Crown Court on Monday morning.
Thomas is charged with the murder of his father, Dafydd Thomas, a 65-year-old grandfather and businessman, on March 25 last year.
Judge Rhys Rowlands heard the case and provided Welsh translation for Thomas, who is looking to change his defence solicitors.
Presently defending Thomas, Simon Rogers said: “Mr Thomas sent an email dated February 8, naming his legal team, indicating that he no longer wanted us to represent him.”
The court was told in translation by
Judge Rhys Rowlands that he had intended to approach a firm in Manchester but now wants to work with a Welsh firm.
Thomas told the judge he “did not have a firm in mind” but “appreciates” the need for this to be resolved as soon as possible.
Mr Rogers confirmed his team would provide the defendant with a list of firms he could make a selection from.
Prosecuting counsel Elwyn Evans QC said “time was absolutely of the essence” and asked if the case could be refixed as soon as possible to complete the transition of solicitors.
The judge agreed and adjourned the case until March 21, just shy of a month away from the planned trial on April 25.
He stressed to Thomas the importance of completing this process, as he risks losing his spring trial date and having this matter “hanging over him” for longer.