The trials in Singapore of Japanese soldiers on charges of war crimes began in January 1946. In the first trial, Captain Gozawa Sadaichi and nine other Japanese soldiers were accused of maltreating Indian prisoners of war who refused to join the Japanese-sponsored Indian National Army. The British were conscious of the need for a fair trial to avoid accusations of "victor's justice", to bolster the argument for preserving the British Empire. Accordingly, the defendants were granted full legal representation, and Sleeman acted as senior counsel for the defence. Sleeman's efforts on behalf of the defendants were praised by the tribunal. One defendant was acquitted; eight were sentenced to terms of imprisonment, Sadaichi to 12 years, and the others to lesser terms; and Lieutenant Kaniyuki Nakamura was sentenced to death for the illegal execution by beheading of an Indian serviceman accused of planning to escape.