Other court appearances

27 March: Leon Mataiti – was issued a bench warrant fo r failing to appear in court. He faced a driving with excess breath alcohol charge.

Toawea Highland – was facing a driving while disqualified charge but failed to appear in court. A bench warrant was also issued.

Putere Dean – has nine charges before the court which include contempt of court, assault, common assault and assault on a female. Dean was not in court as his legal counsel admitted making an error of when he was to appear.

All matters were adjourned to April 23 and the defendant’s bail conditions were to continue.

Vaai Phillip Hunter – appeared on a call over for a charge of fighting in a public place. Case was adjourned to April 23 for a setting of a trial date and Hunter remained on bail with conditions continuing,

Daniel Mare – has previously pleaded guilty to escape from lawful custody, burglary and possession of cannabis. Last Thursday he also pleaded guilty to excess breath alcohol, unlawful taking and escape from custody. He will be sentenced on all six charges on April 6 before Chief Justice David Williams.

However, Mare pleaded not guilty to a Ngatangiia burglary in December last year. Case was adjourned to April 23 for a setting of a trial date.

Moe James Engu – was remanded back to prison after facing a burglary charge. Justice Kenning said the court wanted an assessment on Engu’s psychiatric condition despite the defendant’s protest that he was “not sick or crazy”.

“I’m detaining you back into custody not for the reason that you may have re-offended but more for the concern of your condition,” Justice Kenning said.

Case was adjourned to March 26 with a psychiatric assessment and report ordered.

Matamua Teroi – pleaded guilty to eight charges of burglary and theft. Case adjourned to April 3 for sentencing before Chief Justice Williams.

Tanya Savage – previously pleaded guilty to excess breath alcohol and driving while disqualified. Justice Kenning again denied jurisdiction as defendant was related through marriage. Case was adjourned to March 26.

Tureta Pokoati – pleaded guilty to driving with excess breath alcohol. Pokoati recorded a reading of 520mg/s, and was his second appearance for EBA. Case was adjourned to April 16 with a probation report ordered.

Taooa Vaevaemaki – pleaded guilty to assault on a female. The court heard how the victim was his stepdaughter who he had looked after for 10 years. He was convicted and ordered to come up for sentencing if called on within six months. Vaevaemaki was also charged $30 court costs.

Justice Kenning told the defendant that it might sound like a “slap on the hand” but he now had a conviction against his name.

“The court acknowledged it was a domestic matter and that there was some provocation involved.”

Ngatokorua Tupou – previously pleaded not guilty to assault on female. Case adjourned to April 16.

Tuaeu Robati – pleaded guilty to driving with excess breath alcohol. Police recorded a reading of 790mg/s. The legal limit is 400mg/s. Robati was fined $400 and charged $30 court costs. He was also disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Metuatane Taamaru – previously pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving. Case adjourned to April 16 for setting of a trial date.

Tau Ngaau – a plea of not guilty had been entered for common assault. Case adjourned to April 23 for setting of a trial date.- Dana Kinita