The third man to go on trial for having sex with an underage prostitute has applied to introduce his mobile phone in court as evidence. This is because it contains text messages "crucial" to the defence's case, said lawyer S. Skandarajah.

It is understood that Mr Skandarajah wants to show that his client Emlyn Thomas Thariyan, 37, "carried on" a relationship with the minor after Thariyan allegedly bought her services for $500 on Feb 18, 2011 and had sex with her at a hotel in Bencoolen Street. If the phone is admitted, references to messages contained within can then be referred to during the trial.

Speaking through Mr Skandarajah, Thariyan on Thursday told the court this was necessary because the minor, who cannot be named, denied this while giving evidence in camera behind closed doors on Wednesday.

District Judge Eugene Teo on Thursday adjourned the trial, which will continue after a pre-trial conference to be held next Tuesday. The trial dates will be redetermined then.