Hijack accused tries to tell judge of 'conspiracy'

A woman accused of hijacking a plane and stabbing three people on board has failed in her bid to speak to a judge today on her claim of a "police conspiracy".

Asha Ali Abdille, a 33-year-old Somali vineyard worker from Blenheim, appeared in the Christchurch District Court this morning for a date to be set for another appearance on the charges relating to a dramatic flight from Blenheim to Christchurch in February.

However the woman, whose past court appearances have been marked by her complaining of being unable to stand or lift her head, took today's opportunity to try to speak directly to Judge Christopher Somerville.

While standing in the court dock, she asked: "May I say something?"

Judge Somerville said she could only speak through her lawyer, Gerald Lascelles, but Abdille then said: "He's not my counsel."

After Abdille refused to acknowledge Mr Lascelles as her lawyer, she told the court she wanted to speak about "a police conspiracy".

Judge Somerville said: "I'm not having you address me in this fashion today."

The hearing was adjourned and Abdille will reappear in court in August for a depositions hearing expected to last three days.

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