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Depositions for aircraft hijack accused Asha Ali Abdille have been put off a second time, after her new defence lawyer requested more time to prepare for the hearing.
The case has been taken over by Wellington barrister Anthony Shaw, after 33-year-old Abdille was represented by Christchurch lawyers during her early appearances in the Christchurch District Court.
The new date of December 1 has been set for the depositions hearing.
Crown prosecutor Pip Currie said the crown planned to call nine witnesses, and the hearing might not last the full three days it had been set for.
Abdille, a vineyard worker from Blenheim, is charged with attempting to seize control by force of an Eagle Air flight from Blenheim to Christchurch, wounding the pilot with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and injuring a man and a woman with intent to injure. The injured people suffered stab wounds.
Abdille, a Somalian refugee, has been in custody since her arrest on February 8, when the aircraft reached Christchurch. During that time, she has been the subject of a series of psychiatric reports.
- NZPA
