A man, who pleaded guilty after the start of his trial earlier this year, petitioned the court to vacate his plea last month insisting he did not rape the 16-year-old complainant.
The man, who said he was pressured by his lawyer to plead guilty to rape, was granted bail in the High Court today.
He said he did not want to plead guilty but said he felt “traumatized and depressed” as his lawyer constantly pressured him to throw in the towel.
The defendant also alleged a police officer threatened he would beat him up if the complainant had been a relative of the officer.
The judge who said he rarely allowed defendant to vacate their pleas said he would this time due to certain peculiarities in the case.
He added the defendant appeared exhausted when he admitted guilt at the trial.
His bail was set at $150,000 and the matter was fixed as a backup trial for a date in February next year.
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OPENLY AND FEARLESSLY – ACCUSERS MUST PROVE
Always ‘…Openly and Fearlessly’ (on radio and social media) advised accused persons not to engage the services of Defence attorneys to advise them to plead guilty to criminal charges.’
Whether or not minimal or substantial legal fees are paid, the duty of ‘…Defence Attorneys’ is to defend their clients.
Not to agree with, or submit to the prosecution’s contentions.
In full trials, defence attorneys would learn more than merely offering ‘…Pleas in Mitigation.’
The function of a the Jury is to make determinations on adduced facts (evidence) and the way the defence conducts its case.
The maxim has always been, ‘…He who accuses, must prove.’
Mr. Pompey you are so right. The defense lawyer have all right to defend his client, not telling them nor pressure them to plea guilty.
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