7 days in jail for 18-year-old

27 March: An 18-year-old was sentenced to seven days in prison after breaking his probation conditions.

Teremoana Saddler pleaded guilty to two counts of contempt of court in the Rarotonga High Court last Thursday (March 19).

Appearing before Justice of the Peace John Kenning, the defendant admitted to not being home on March 14 and under the influence of alcohol on March 15.

Saddler was serving a 12-month probation sentence for burglary and unlawful taking that occurred last year.

Under his probation conditions, he was not to purchase and consume alcohol, not to enter licensed premises and is not be abroad between 7pm and 7am each day.

Police prosecutor senior sergeant Tuaine Manavaroa said on March 14, Saddler was not home when police conducted a curfew check at 11.50pm.

They returned the next day at 8.15am where they noticed the defendant under the influence of alcohol. When questioned, he admitted to drinking with friends.

He has appeared in court before for other contempt charges.

Justice Kenning told Saddler he knew the rules and sentenced him to seven days in prison.

The defendant was also convicted for driving a motorcycle without a silencer and driving with no rear-view mirror on September 24.

He was sentenced to pay $20 per fine and $30 court cost on each charge.

“What would have cost $40 is now going to cost you $100,” Justice Kenning said.