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Nightclub brawl accused remains in Cook Islands awaiting trial

Monday 18 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National

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Nightclub brawl accused remains in Cook Islands awaiting trial

One of eight visitors from Australia allegedly involved in a brawl at a Rarotonga nightclub will remain in the Cook Islands at least until February, 2024.

Poutapu Maretu, facing charges of injuring with intent and injuring with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and two charges of assaulting Police, appeared before Chief Justice Patrick Keane at the High Court in Avarua on Friday.

He is one of 11 men who were charged in relation to a fight at Rehab late in the evening of November 8, in which two stabbings were reported, multiple people including Rehab staff received injuries, and Police backup was required to get the situation under control.

Defence lawyer Lavi Rokoika said it was a very recent matter, a Judge alone trial, and she was yet to receive disclosure.

A video that was sent to her was not downloadable and she had not been able to view it.

CJ Keane said the charges were not fully confirmed yet, and confirmed it would be a Judge alone trial.

The trial should be given priority, CJ Keane said.

The Crown was not in a position to present the charges and a summary should be ready for the next hearing on February 2, the Judge said.