The Prime Minister's drink-driving case ended late yesterday afternoon at the Magistrate Court.
The Prosecution, in its submission, stated that the Prime Minister, Dr. Derek Sikua, was clearly under the influence of alcohol when the incident occurred. The prosecution stated that Dr. Sikua's attitude at the time of the incident was an indication that he was drinking more than three beers. Dr. Sikua earlier stated that he was not drunk as he only had three bears when he was pulled over by the police.Dr. Sikua's lawyer, Mr. Charles Ashley then questioned why his client was not arrested and charged at the time of the incident. Mr. Ashley said that the formal charge of drink-driving was issued to Dr. Sikua ten months after the incident.
He said that the incident happened at the beginning of February, 2006 and the charge served on his client was on the 29th of November, 2006.
Mr. Ashley pointed out that his client was only informed of the charge after he was elected and sworn in as the Minister of Education and Human Resources, serving under the Sogavare government.
The ruling will be made Tuesday next week.