Joint District Planning and Budget Priorities Committee

The twelve members are:  

Justin Haiara this afternoon submitted that his client has no case to answer to after prosecution closed its case yesterday.  

Justice George Manuhu, in hearing Potape’s no-case submission, reserved his ruling to July 21.

Haiara submitted that Potape does not have a case to answer to and that some or all of the elements in the charges have not been proven by the State.

He said the evidence as it is before the court is incomplete or insufficient for the defense (Potape) to present its case.  

Potape’s plea of not guilty came after Justice George Manuhu read out allegations provided to the court this afternoon which contained the basic facts and relevant charges against him.

“Yes your honour, I plead not guilty,” he said when asked if he understood the two charges the State brought against him and what his plea was.