An Auckland barrister charged with traffic offences denied to reporters that he practises law in New Zealand - before walking to another courtroom to represent a client.
Satendra Prakash Singh, 60, appeared briefly in courtroom five at the Auckland District Court this morning to face charges of careless operation of a vehicle and drink driving.
The Fijian-born lawyer caused momentary confusion when he had to explain to the police prosecutor that he was both the accused and the lawyer representing himself.
Outside court he told media he did not practise law in New Zealand, nor did he live here.
However, half an hour later he was seated among half a dozen other lawyers to represent a client in courtroom five.