The applicant, charged with importing cocaine, brought a Rowbotham application for state-funded counsel after his Legal Aid certificate was cancelled due to his income level.
The court reviewed his financial circumstances and found he was not indigent, as he was fully employed and had discretionary income.
Furthermore, the court determined the case was straightforward, involving a short border investigation and a single issue of knowledge, meaning counsel was not essential for a fair trial.
The application was dismissed.
