Justice of the Peace Tangi Taoro presided over several assault matters at the Criminal Court in Avarua on Thursday, September 5.

Morey Vati, charged with two counts of assault on a police officer, will appear in Court this week, after defence counsel Mark Short asked for an adjournment.

Short advised the Court that he had just received disclosures and would like to review the evidence before his client enters a plea. He said they would like the matter processed quickly.

It is alleged that on June 21, Vati assaulted two police officers in Matavera.

The matter is adjourned to September 12.

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The case of a man who is charged with assault on a female has been adjourned as he is still in Australia due to employment.

Tekorona Ariki Kea Te Tupu O Avaiki Iobu Tekorona was represented by defence counsel Mark Short. The lawyer informed the court that the family had said the accused had lost his job and was looking for another one.

Short said the family of the victim have asked that the charge be withdrawn.

However, senior police prosecutor senior sergeant Fairoa Tararo said they have considered a diversion but required the defendant to be present in Court.

The case had been adjourned to November 7.

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Samuel Jnr Ivirangi, who is charged with assaulting a victim on December 11, last year in Tutakimoa, has admitted to the charges.

Facing a charge of common assault, the defendant, who was represented by defence counsel Michelle Tangimama, entered a guilty plea. The matter has been adjourned for sentencing.

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Solomone Taufahema, who is in custody, is charged with burglary and common assault.

Defence counsel Michelle Tangimama explained that the new charge was common assault, which is why her client was in custody.

She presented a letter to the Court from the defendant’s father requesting the charges to be dropped.

However, police prosecutor senior sergeant Tuaine Manavaroa asked for an adjournment so that police could visit the defendant’s father and confirm the letter.

Justice of the Peace Tangi Taoro said Taufahema’s father was paralysed, and he was the victim.

She adjourned the matter for police to confirm the content of the letter. The case was adjourned to September 12.

In other matters, defence lawyer Michelle Tangimama told the Court she was still waiting for the video footage from police in regards to the charges against Marsela Kareroa.

Kareroa is charged for three counts of theft.

Police prosecutor, snr Sgt Tuaine Manavaroa said the video footage would be made available to defence.

Tereapii Greig Mose who is facing new charges of carrying an offensive weapon in a public place and three counts of contempt of court is expected to enter a plea in the next week.

Defence lawyer Michelle Tangimama said Mose also faces a charge of burglary which he denies and they are waiting for a hearing date to be confirmed.

Police prosecutor senior sergeant Manavaroa said it was best to have pleas taken in the next session so all matters could be dealt with. The case was adjourned to September 12.