A businessman who was refused legal aid for his defence in a highly complex fraud trial is to fight the ruling in the Court of First Instance.
Peter Mou Chi-luen, 44, wants a judge to back his claim for financial support 'in the interests of justice'.
Mou fears he will be left without a barrister for the long and difficult trial - expected to last six months - if legal aid is not granted. He is seeking a judicial review of the decision by the Legal Aid Department.
He says the judge presiding over his trial has expressed the view that it would be preferable for him and other defendants to be legally represented.
Mou is one of five stock market players facing fraud and corruption charges arising from a $1 billion deal in 1990 in which Australian entrepreneur Alan Bond sold his Hong Kong company to local interests. A preliminary hearing will be held in September.