December 16, 2024

A sentencing date for the case against Vaina Dance will be confirmed by the High Court registrar.

Dance, who appeared before Chief Justice Patrick Keane on Friday, was represented by defence counsel Jamie Crawford.

It was indicated to the Court that a sentencing application would be made before Justice Christine Grice departed Rarotonga.

Crown Law prosecutor Tui Scott told Chief Justice Keane, who presided through an audio-visual link, that a joint memorandum had been filed and a charge list was available.

CJ Keane adjourned the matter for a sentencing date to be confirmed.

Dance faces four counts each of failing to stop, ascertain and render assistance to four teenagers involved in a hit-and-run accident.

The incident occurred on a Saturday night in late August on a backroad in Nikao. A double-cab pickup truck collided with two motorbikes, leaving two riders lying in the middle of the road.

The second motorcycle, which was following the first one that crashed, also crashed, injuring two more teens.

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Defendant Judge Romeo Nee Nee has admitted to the charges of assaulting a female on January 22-23 this year in Arorangi.

Nee Nee, who is represented by defence counsel Michelle Tangimama, also pleaded guilty to wilful damage where he damaged the wall of an Airbnb property. The cost of damage was $50.

He also pleaded guilty to breaching a protection order that was against him.

Nee Nee was convicted and a sentencing date is to be confirmed.

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Tuki’s break-in accused Rangi Uaia Tuarau’s case has been adjourned as Crown Law and defence counsel Jamie Crawford wait for his psychological assessment.

Tuarau, through his counsel Crawford, admitted to a breach of curfew charge and was convicted and discharged by Chief Justice Patrick Keane.

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The case of Jale O’Connor has been adjourned to next year for a jury trial.

O’Connor faces a charge of indecent assault.

According to the Crown prosecutor, a tentative date was scheduled for August 18-20, 2025.

• Losirene Lacanivalu