> We ahve just been informed by LACOTS that the plea was not gulity and the > case is adjourned to 15th January > Further to this, there is also an argument as to whether the case is heard before a lay bench (voluntary, public service magistrates) or a stipendiary magistrate (paid legal professional). Mr Thorburn wants the lay magistrates, since he expects them to be more sympathetic, Sunderland want a 'stipe' as the arguments are about legal interpretations, not matters of fact.
