Well, the counsel who were assigned this in this matter are still counsel on record and they have not withdrawn from the matter. They have only withdrawn their participation at this stage and that is what lead counsel has informed me. So they are still counsel on record and as ...

May I sit down?

No, your Honour, I thought you wanted to address me. May I sit, your Honour?

Yes, your Honour.

Yes, your Honour.

Your Honour, if you'll excuse me again I -- just a quick confirmation from within the well of the Court and I am informed that there is no information. They were just informed that he was not going to be brought today.

Yes, your Honour.

The Office of Principal Defender, your Honour.

I have no information as to why the accused is not in court, your Honour, this morning.

I appear for the Office of the Principal Defender this morning.

Thank you.

Well, I had some discussions with him, and he in his discussions with me was telling me that he wasn't feeling too well. I don't know what the reasons were. He said he was very upset and he needed some rest.

Well, I spoke with him during the break, and he informs me that he wanted to go back for personal reasons.

Yes, the accused presently is not in court. He has dispensed with appearance for today.

Well, I appear as duty counsel in my capacity as Principal Defender, but I wish to point out the fact that I do not appear with instructions from neither counsel nor the accused.

Yes, your Honour.