An expatriate worker who threw a suitcase at his partner has received a 12-month probationary sentence and ordered not to consume or purchase alcohol throughout the time of his sentence.

Kitione Rokosuka, 39, was sentenced on an earlier charge of drunkenness in a public place, and a new charge of assault on a female, when he appeared in the Criminal Court in Avarua before Justice of the Peace John Whitta on Tuesday.

Rokosuka, who represented himself in Court, apologised to JP Whitta for his actions, saying he was deeply ashamed.

The drunkenness in a public place offence relates to an incident on July 31, 2021. Police found him with his partner. He got into an argument with his partner, and stole her keys to prevent her getting away. When police began making enquiries, he became abusive.

His partner was taken home by police.

“There is little really to say about this except that these incidents waste valuable police time,” JP Whitta said. “It was minor but completely unnecessary. It is my view you were given every opportunity to step away from trouble, you chose to walk into it.”

JP Whitta noted Rokosuka had already received a suspended sentence for this act.

In regards to the assault on a female charge, on January 5, 2022, Rokosuka was drinking with the victim, and an argument ensued. His partner asked him to pack his bags and leave.

He picked up a suitcase that did not belong to him and threw the suitcase at the victim, and tried to push her on the bed. The victim ran next door to her mother’s place.

JP Whitta noted Rokosuka had undertaken counselling since the second incident.

“Despite the positive steps you have taken, probation does seem to have lost some patience with you,” JP Whitta told Rokosuka.

“Your partner was examined; the report shows there was some swelling and bruising in the left side of her head, and some bleeding in the left eye.”

JP Whitta said Rokosuka had been advised by counselors to “choose his friends more wisely, and set positive goals for himself”.

“I would urge you to heed that advice,” JP Whitta said.

JP Whitta noted there was no victim impact statement, and the victim did seek to withdraw the charge.

“The discretion (to withdraw charges) however lies with the police,” JP Whitta said.

“If you are to successfully to find your way through this, you need to receive support,” JP Whitta told Rokosuka, noting that alcohol was a factor in both incidents.

Rokosuka was fined $20 for the public drunkenness, and ordered to pay $50 in Court costs.

For the assault on a female, Rokosuka received a 12-month probationary sentence.

“I have concerns around your alcohol consumption, and I am keen for you to access assistance,” JP Whitta told Rokosuka.

JP Whitta barred Rokosuka from consuming alcohol during the period of his sentence, which also included preventing him from purchasing alcohol and entering liquor-licenced bars or nightclubs.

He also ordered him to attend any counselling services suggested by probation.