MEN alleged of setting fire to five excavators in Rennell Island failed to appear in court yesterday.

The court was told that the men had gone back to their province for Christmas but, maybe due to the bad weather, are yet to arrive in Honiara for hearing on their cases.

The defence lawyer also did not turn up to inform the court about the status of his clients.

Principal Magistrate then made directions for the prosecution to contact the defence lawyer on the whereabouts of his clients.

The accused – Oea Tiki, Tangosia Jimmy and Taukia Willie, all denied the charge when arraigned in the Magistrate Court in Honiara earlier.

The Prosecution alleged that the incident occurred on May 12, 2016, at Rennell Island, Renbel province.

Prosecution said that the men did set fire on five excavators owned by Samlinsan logging company which operates in Rennell.

A private Lawyer is representing all the accused.