Drugs case prolonged after lawyer quits client

Convict Steve Nappa of Valletta turned down the court's offer for legal aid today when he insisted he wants to be represented by a lawyer he can trust, after his own legal representative decided she would no longer assist him.

Inspector Josric Mifsud informed the court that Nappa's legal representative had informed him she will no longer deal with his case, when the court was today scheduled to continue hearing the prosecution of Nappa on drugs charges.

Irked by his lawyer's change of heart, the accused voiced his complaints about being at the court's lock-up since 8am waiting for his lawyer, who had then decided to jump ship. He told the magistrate that he hoped the court sessions are recorded so the lawyer taking up his case can follow what happened in previous sittings. "One cannot conduct a cross-examination without knowing what witnesses said in previous sittings," he argued.

Magistrate Marseann Farrugia told the accused it was his right to have a lawyer and no court will deny him his right. However if he insisted that he has financial means to pay a lawyer then he cannot force him to avail of legal aid services.

The accused replied that while he did not have a lot of money, he was sure to find all help he needs.

Nappa is currently serving a jail term over drug-related charges, various thefts in 2012 and threatening to burn a priest alive in 2010.

The case was put off to 24 September.