The Dietrich principle requiring adjournment of a serious criminal trial where the accused is unrepresented applies not only to indigent accused but also where counsel becomes unavailable through accident or misfortune and there is insufficient time to arrange new representation. Potential difficulty in securing the attendance of an overseas witness in custody does not constitute 'exceptional circumstances' justifying proceeding with the trial of an unrepresented accused. A trial judge who regards the duties of the Crown and Court to ensure fairness as overcoming the disadvantage of lack of representation acts upon a wrong principle.
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