High Court Judge Justice, Gerald Winter today rejected defense lawyer, Abhay Singh's application to disqualify himself from presiding over the former Navy Commander Francis Kean's murder trial.

In his ruling Justice Winter questions how Kean was able to get a confidential letter that was written by the Police Commissioner to Permanent Secretary for justice.

Winter has also stressed that judges are accordingly chosen to preside over criminal cases and reminded the accused he was the one who released him on bail when he was charged with murder.

The Judge then assured the accused that he will be treated equally regardless his background. The trial continues tomorrow at 10am.

Francis Kean has been charged with murder of a salesman John Whippy outside the Suva Yacht club last year.