Jaén-Lee Pyne, the accused in a grievous bodily harm, malicious damage to property and assault case, appears to be again using delay tactics after he dismissed his Legal Aid SA attorney and demanded a new representative be appointed.
Pyne reappeared in court on April 16 for the case, which has been ongoing since January 2023. In this specific case, he has already changed legal representatives three times.
Legal Aid SA appointed an attorney to represent him in February. When Wednesday’s proceedings got underway, it came to light that Pyne had dismissed his attorney and demanded a new one be appointed from Legal Aid SA.
Magistrate Michael Twala told Pyne he could not choose who could represent him from Legal Aid SA. Pyne did not accept Twala’s answers and insisted Legal Aid send a replacement to represent him.
Twala clarified further and told Pyne he had two choices – to get a private attorney or represent himself. Pyne laughed at the magistrate and said he would not represent himself.
The proceedings were halted and later resumed, with Pyne telling the court he had a shortlist of attorneys if Legal Aid SA did not appoint one to represent him.
Pyne initially asked that Legal Aid SA represent him because he could not afford a private attorney.
The case was postponed to April 22 to allow Legal Aid SA to assess the matter.
Pyne is out on bail of R500 on this case but in custody for another case and, therefore, remains detained.
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