barrister

Mr Williams, who was represented in court by barrister Graham Arnold, is accused of 21 offences.

The defendants' barristers raised no objection to the withdrawal application.

But Riel Karmy-Jones KC, chair of the Criminal Bar Association which represents criminal barristers, said the proposals would not solve the crisis in justice.

In mitigation, defence barrister Philip Wright told the court his actions may seem "unfathomable" given the "laudable and noble" features of his political life.

Both the lead prosecution and defence barristers opted for polo shirts, shorts and baseball caps.