The murder trial against former Navy Commander Francis Kean has been adjourned till next week after a request by Defence lawyer Abhay Singh in the last hour.

When the case was called before High Court Judge Justice Gerad Winter, Singh highlighted that their appeal against his decision not to disqualify himself from presiding over the case was called before a single appeals court judge this morning.

Singh revealed that Justice John Byrne, after hearing his submission has said that he will make a ruling on notice sometime next week.

He then requested that the trial be adjourned until a ruling on their application is made.

State Lawyer Ashishna Prasad strongly objected saying the criminal proceedings must continue. However, Justice Winter said he will wait until a decision is made by his brother Judge on whether he should preside over the case.

The case is adjourned till 2:15 next Wednesday and Justice Winter said they will sit on weekends and late into the evenings to ensure that the trial concludes as soon as possible once the matter is settled.