A manager charged over the electrocution death of a truck driver has decided to fight to clear his name without a lawyer, telling a magistrate he once beat a case in Switzerland using one word and a dictionary.
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Failed company Kenoss Contractors and its former project manager Munir al-Hasani are facing criminal charges over the accident at a Turner work site in 2012, which killed Michael Booth, 48.
Mr Booth was tipping his truck to offload gravel at a dumping station when his trailer hit a power line.
The company and al-Hasani each face a similar charge of failing to maintain safe work systems and a safe work environment.
Kenoss has since gone into administration, and its liquidators don't have the funds to appear to defend the case.
That's left al-Hasani, also known as Allan Hassani, to fight the charges himself.
He told the ACT Industrial Court on Monday that he has been denied legal aid, and could not get a pro-bono lawyer.
Al-Hasani said he could not afford to pay for representation, and committed to defending the case himself.
He faces a maximum penalty of $300,000 if found guilty.
The Crown, represented by Sara Gul, allege al-Hasani was in a position of influence in the company and had a high degree of control over its operation.
It is alleged he failed to exercise due diligence to ensure the company was following safe work practices.
Al-Hasani said he wished to clear his name and said he had once beat a case in Switzerland in 1981 using just one word and a dictionary.
Industrial Magistrate Lorraine Walker acknowledged the hearing was not going to be an easy process for al-Hasani or for the court.
The proceedings could also be complicated by the lack of attendance by Kenoss.
The case against them will proceed in their absence at the same time as al-Hasani's hearing.
It is set down for two days starting next Monday.
