Joint trial set for Gamato, Hetinu

THE National Court has allowed a joint trial of sidelined Electoral Commission officials Patilias Gamato and Terence Hetinu as both are charged with the same offence.
Justice Teresa Berrigan made her ruling yesterday following an application by state lawyers on the charges of corruption and conspiracy to commit a crime.
Gamato and Hetinu had opposed the application and applied for a separate trial.
Gamato was committed to stand trial in the National Court on Oct 12. On May 31, Hetinu was committed for trial at the National Court.
On June 30, the state filed an application for a joint trial.
Justice Berrigan said it was in the interest of justice and the ascertainment of truth that the cases of both men were heard together for several reasons.
She fixed Aug 9 for hearing of an application by Gamato. Both Gamato and Hetinu are out on bail.