Defence eyes no-case submission for Kern

Even before the corruption trial involving former junior energy minister Kern Spencer reaches the half-way stage, one defence attorney has revealed that plans are already in train to have him freed on a no-case submission.

"At the end of the prosecution's case, we are preparing ourselves to make a submission that there is no case to answer, based on the evidence adduced," declared defence attorney K.D. Knight, who is representing Spencer's co-accused and former personal assistant, Colleen Wright.

"For as long as the crown's case has been proceeding, we have become more and more of the view that this case ought to end pretty early," Knight continued.

However, lead prosecutor, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Paula Llewellyn was clearly not amused by Knight's comments, which she characterised as "unfortunate".

"For counsel [Knight] to make those comments would seem to suggest that he would wish to second-guess the court. I would never be so bold and so presumptuous," Llewellyn responded.

Spencer and Wright are on trial for illicit enrichment and money laundering arising from the implementation of the Cuban light bulb programme.

Yesterday, the trial was adjourned early because Spencer's attorney Deborah Martin was in another case before the Supreme Court.

The trial is scheduled to resume on Tuesday.