'I'm tired' - Lawyer gets Bridgecorp trial delayed

Rod Petricevic. Photo / Paul Estcourt

Rod Petricevic will now give evidence in his own defence next week after the former director's lawyer told the High Court he was "extremely tired" and asked for an adjournment.

Petricevic - alongside former Bridgecorp directors Rob Roest and Peter Steigrad - faces 10 Securities Act charges besides being accused of misleading the failed finance company's investors.

The trio have pleaded not guilty and have been on trial in Auckland since October last year.

The Crown wrapped up its case yesterday morning with the presentation of written evidence to the court.

Petricevic's lawyer, Charles Cato, then asked for a break to prepare for his client giving evidence as he was still in "cross-examination mode".

Cato said he had been "working assiduously" with Petricevic since the trial began and said the presentation of evidence would be "neater and tidier" if the adjournment was granted.

"I am feeling extremely tired," Cato said.

Justice Geoffrey Venning said he understood Cato's position and was willing to give the defence lawyer a full day to prepare. He adjourned proceedings until Monday.

Roest and Steigrad will also appear in the witness box following Petricevic.

Bridgecorp collapsed in July 2007 owing $459 million.