DPP 'judge shopping' - Knight

DEFENCE ATTORNEY K.D. Knight has accused the director of public prosecutions (DPP) of "judge shopping" and intimidatory tactics arising out of its move to have Senior Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey recuse herself from the Kern Spencer corruption trial.

"That which the courts, locally and abroad, have frowned upon (judge shopping) is the path they have embarked upon," said Knight in court yesterday.

The Queens Counsell was wrapping up his submission opposing an application brought by DPP Paula Llewellyn, who is seeking to have the magistrate recuse herself from the trial on the grounds of apparent bias.

Senior Director of Public Prosecutions Caroline Hay, who is appearing on behalf of Llewellyn, is expected to complete her rebuttal of the submissions made by defence attorneys today after which Pusey will rule on the matter.

Hay has characterised Knight's "judge shopping" comment as unfortunate, and argued that the application before the court demonstrates a submission to the rule of law.

"What we have sought to demonstrate is prosecutorial fairness," she told the court.

"We have taken our cause to the court and, without any attempt to be secretive, we have disclosed to the court and the defence our projected path," she added.

Meanwhile, it was revealed in court that Hay has already written to the clerk of court signalling the matter will go back to the Judicial Review Court if Pusey refuses to recuse herself.