The well-known playwright accused of murder has written to the court asking to withdraw the services of her lawyer and indicating her intent to plead guilty to all charges. 

Sia Figiel appeared in the Supreme Court this week with her lawyer Unasa Iuni Sapolu. She has already pleaded not guilty to charges of; murder, armed with a dangerous weapon, manslaughter, grievous bodily harm, assault and actual bodily harm. 

The court has adjourned the matter until next month to allow the defence lawyer to consider the request from the defendant. 

Unasa had recently reinstated a bail application for Figel after entering a not guilty to all charges including murder. 

The prosecution had opposed the bail request. In the meantime, the defendant will remain in custody. 

Figiel has been in custody after allegedly killing Professor Caroline Sinavaiana Gabbard in May. 

Last month Figiel through her lawyer decided to drop the bail application filed before the court and indicated the possibility of changing her plea. 

It is understood that the defence wanted a plea bargain from the prosecution to drop the murder charge and they will reconsider changing the plea for the lower charge of manslaughter. 

The court has already scheduled the substantive hearing for March next year. 

It is not clear what has happened to the psychiatric assessment that Figiel applied for. 

The police reported the incident was only brought to their attention a day after Prof. Gabbard died with her body discovered at Figiel’s property at Vaivase-uta.