 At the outset of the proceedings, Syvret made an application to the Royal Court in August 2009, arguing that the Assistant Magistrate was biased against him, as was the Commissioner of the Royal Court hearing that application.Sir Richard Tucker rejected these submissions and ordered him to pay costs.When the case resumed in the Magistrate's Court, Syvret sought to call the Attorney General, several senior civil servants, the suspended police chief Graham Power and other police officers, and Deputy Carolyn Labey (his former partner) as witnesses.