Justice of the Peace Georgina Williams presided over court matters at the Criminal Court in Avarua yesterday.

Tereanu William Teava was sentenced to 12-months’ probation supervision.

Convicted for common assault, Teava has been further ordered not to go to the Hartel Store in Tupapa. He is to attend any counselling or workshops provided by Probation Services.

On March 10, Teava went to Hartel Store, took two cans of Mother Energy drinks and threatened the shopkeeper with a pair of scissors before driving off.

He admitted to the facts on June 8.

Justice of the Peace Georgina Williams said this was Teava’s first charge of this nature (threatening behaviour) compared to previous charges.

She said, according to Teava’s mental health report, he was seen on a weekly basis and was relatively stable. He was told to remain in Cook Islands for his continuous health checks.

According to the victim impact report, the shopkeeper was scared at the time.

JP Williams said Teava could travel to New Zealand with his brother, but for now must remain with the health support system until a support system could be finalised in New Zealand.

He has been further ordered to pay $11 for reparation.

In the matter of Sonya Apa Temata, who appeared on a charge of common assault, the case was adjourned to September 7.

The defendant asked for an adjournment as she managed to get a legal representative Mark Short for her sentencing.

The defendant hearing case of Takai John Piri-anga-oa Matthew Banaba was also adjourned.

Banaba who had initially represented himself for the hearing requested an adjournment so he would get a lawyer.

He faces a charge of failing to stop on demand and refusing to undergo a breathalyser test.

His argument is that he never saw the police and he was on his property at the time police went to him.

Senior police prosecutor Fairoa Tararo said police were called in about a vehicle driven by the defendant that was swerving on the road. He said police came across the defendant driving the white truck, they tried to stop him, used the horn / siren and put the police emergency light on until the defendant turned into his driveway.

He said according to the Criminal Procedure Act 1980-81 section 5, Police have the powers to enter the premises without a warrant.

He said the defendant was pursued, giving the Police the power to enter the compound because they had reasonable cause.

The matter has been adjourned to September 7.