Llewellyn

PAULA LLEWELLYN, the chief prosecutor in the corruption and money-laundering case against Kern Spencer and Coleen Wright, has described the subject of new evidence that forced an adjournment to the trial as "a matter of great importance".

The trial, which began last Monday, has been adjourned until September 28.

Space has been created in the court's diary to try the matter from September 28 to October 2; October 20 to October 23, and October 26 to October 30. Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey has said that she does not "intend to take this thing too far into the new year".

In court yesterday, Llewellyn told Pusey that the prosecution had just become aware of "certain things" and that "certain arrangements would have to be put in place to facilitate this matter in the trial of Mr Spencer and Ms Wright".

Duty bound

Llewellyn's statement came after she met with defence counsel in Pusey's chamber. Llewellyn told the court that in the circumstances of the discovery, she was "duty bound to make certain things available to the defence". However, the nature of the discovery was not disclosed.

Counsel Patrick Atkinson, who represents Spencer, and K.D. Knight, who is representing Wright, welcomed the adjournment.

"I cannot object to the request. Suffice it to say, each new morn a new surprise arises," Knight said.

Spencer

Spencer and Wright are charged for their alleged role in the Cuban light-bulb project. The energy-saving project over which Spencer exercised ministerial oversight racked up a cost of $276 million.

Spencer and Wright are alleged to have benefited improperly from the project and have been slapped with corruption and money-laundering charges.

Rodney Chin, who was jointly charged, became the beneficiary of a nolle prosequi. He is now the prosecutor's main witness. Chin has already taken the witness stand and is expected to continue his testimony when the trial resumes on September 28.