14 Feb 2011

Crown due to try opening case again in Tonga's Princess Ashika trial

5:56 am on 14 February 2011

Prosecutors in Tonga will open their case today in the Princess Ashika manslaughter trial, after a week's delay.

Seventy four people died when the ferry sank in 2009.

Prosecutors were due to outline their case last Tuesday, but the jury was dismissed as one juror was found to have a conviction.

Another seven person jury was selected on Friday.

Four men, including the New Zealander John Jonesse, are accused of manslaughter by negligence over the sinking of the Princess Ashika.

The Shipping Corporation of Polynesia, which Mr Jonesse headed, is also charged.