A former Driving Examiner case was set for trial this morning before Magistrate M. Naivalu at the Ba Magistrate Court.

Isimeli Seresere was charged with two counts of bribery contrary to Section 4 (2) (a) of the Prevention of Bribery Promulgation No: 12 of 2007.

It is alleged that Seresere on 23 April and 26 April 2010 had without lawful authority or reasonable excuse solicited an advantage namely $50.00 on both occasions from one Amal Abhinesh Kumar for the final certification for the issuance of a Driving Licence to Kumar.

Defence Counsel informed the court this morning that the Counsel in carriage of the file is away in overseas and he would not able to proceed with the hearing. Thus, he will be making an application for an adjournment. He further submitted that they had communicated the same to Prosecution on the 26th of August and Prosecution had replied on the 27th.

The Prosecution submitted that they are ready to proceed with the hearing; however, given the difficulty the Defence was facing, Prosecution would leave it to the Court to decide on the Defence application for an adjournment. Prosecution further submitted if priority could be given to the case since it is a 2011 matter and Prosecution has witnesses coming from as far as Suva.

Magistrate Naivalu informed both parties that the Court is aware of the difficulty the Defence is facing and also considered the Prosecutions submission. Prosecution informed court that they will concede to orders given by the court but if a short date could be given.

The matter is adjourned to the 3rd of October for mention to set a hearing date.