Magistrate Chandra Sohan received the medical certificate which excused Datadin from September 29 to October 2.

A covering letter from Datadin, addressed to Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Denis Hanomansingh, advised the latter to take necessary steps for facilitating the smooth conduct of the case in the absence of the assigned prosecutor.

Defence lawyers questioned the authenticity of the sickness certification and one said Datadin had been seen walking in the High Court compound during the period mentioned in the document.

Leading Defence Counsel Basil Williams, again lamenting the situation over the past five days, charged the Prosecution with "acting in bad faith".

Williams, once more, asked the magistrate to discharge Benschop, on the grounds of abuse of the Court process and "unreasonable or willful and deliberate delays".

But Magistrate Sohan adjourned the pre-trial proceedings to Monday, October 7, saying he would make a decision then, on whether the PI proceeds or is discontinued on the basis of the Williams submission.

Since the inquiry began on September 23, three witnesses have testified. They are Corporal Marcia Sealey, Inspector Deonarine and Assistant Superintendent Keith Bobb-Semple, all members of the Police Force.