The appellant appealed his convictions for aggravated assault and assault with a weapon.
He argued that the trial judge erred in denying him an adjournment to obtain new counsel after he discharged his previous lawyer, and that the trial judge failed to provide the minimum assistance required for an unrepresented accused.
The Court of Appeal agreed on both grounds, finding that the trial judge erred in principle in denying the adjournment and failed to provide the necessary guidance to the unrepresented appellant, resulting in an unfair trial.
The appeal was allowed, the convictions were quashed, and a new trial was ordered.
