Monday’s hearing in Gasim Hassan murder case has been cancelled.

While a hearing was scheduled for 10am, after a seven month halt, it was cancelled as the defence lawyer was unable to attend.

Adham Mohamed, 21, is charged with first-degree murder in Gasim’s death, under the Act on Prohibiting ‎Threatening and Possession of Dangerous Weapons and Sharp ‎Objects.

During the preliminary hearing held on February 12, the suspect confessed to the murder but said that he had never “intended to kill Gasim” but merely to “rob him”.

As such, Adham claimed then that he attacked Gasim in a state of intoxication. When questioned if he was intoxicated under the influence of another party, he refuted it.

While the last hearing in the case was held a few days later on February 18, Adham denied the charges against him and claimed that he was coerced into a confession.

The suspect claimed that he was not of sound mind when the confessions were made, and accused the police of intoxicating him by enabling him.

Adham was arrested on 19 December, after Gasim’s dead body was discovered lying face-down in a puddle of blood on the road in Hulhumalé on 4 December.

Police earlier confirmed that Adham has a long criminal history including theft and cases related to drugs.

Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem had previously assured that there is enough evidence to convict him even if he retracts his confession, adding that things will only be worse for the suspect if he does so.