Firing and hiring like he is the president of the USA, alleged British paedophile Lee Nigel Tucker has once again delayed his extradition trial that was set for Tuesday.

Seen in court yesterday, Tucker was supposed to answer questions regarding allegations that he’s using various tactics to delay his trial, but proceedings were once again delayed when it was realised he had a new lawyer, reports Times LIVE:

Tucker sacked top criminal attorney Joseph Webber and appointed a new lawyer at the 11th hour. Webber only found out that he had been fired when Tucker’s new attorney called him on Friday.

State advocate Christopher Burke told the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court that this was another example of Tucker’s “delay tactics”.

A helicopter pilot and IT specialist, Tucker was arrested in Cape Town during a sting operation by police last year on behalf of British authorities – you can read all about that here and here.

And you know who wasn’t too happy? Webber.

He said he was “surprised by Tucker’s decision to appoint Mathewson” – his fourth attorney in around a year:

“I spoke with my client on Tuesday last‚ he didn’t say anything to me. I was actually taken aback‚ you know. I thought my client would call me‚ but to date I haven’t even heard from him‚” said Webber.

“I can’t say that it’s a delay tactic. I don’t know‚ I can’t assume anything‚” he said. Tucker has also had his bail conditions amended to suit his sea-side lifestyle.

So instead of addressing the delays in the extradition hearing yesterday, Magistrate Vusi Mhlangu could not because “Tucker’s new attorney‚ Ben Mathewson‚ has to familiarise himself with the case”.

Now, to prevent further delays, Mhlangu has set October 13 as the trial date.

For now, Tucker’s movements are “restricted to a three-kilometre radius in Sea Point and is being monitored by a tracking bracelet”. That means he can go for a jog and hang out by the pool. Creepy.

More from Webber, who didn’t hold back:

Webber said they planned to have his bail conditions amended to have his ankle bracelet removed.

Webber also noted that Tucker might be taken into custody again. There is a dispute about the bracelet tender which will be heard in the high court in Pretoria. This could result in bracelets being removed and awaiting trial detainees and parolees having to report to a correctional facility.

Webber said that if the court finds Tucker extraditable he could appeal against the decision and this could draw out the process even further.

“I’m a little bit annoyed that he didn’t have the decency to call me but then that speaks volumes about what the man is. Maybe his karma will hit him as a result of that‚” said Webber.

For those of you in Sea Point, watch out for a man with an ankle bracelet.

[source:timeslive]