A woman who denied the charge of careless driving causing injury and was found guilty by a jury at the High Court in Avarua, has been told by a Judge she must pay fines and reparation totalling $3040 within 10 days, or she will be back before him.

Heather Joy Webber-Aitu was represented by defence lawyer Norman George when she appeared for sentencing on Thursday.

The matter had been before the courts for nearly two years.

Also read: Careless driver convicted following jury trial

She was convicted on September 13 for carelessly driving on the main road in Tupapa, causing injury to the victim Lalagofaatasi Williams on March 1, 2021.

Justice Colin Doherty fined her $600, $50 court costs, reparation to the victim of $500 and $1890 reparation for the motorcycle.

George had raised questions about reparation for the motorcycle as there had been some debate about reported issues between the owner of the motorcycle and the insurer.

If any costs fell short, they were to be paid to the victim, Justice Doherty said.

He ordered Webber-Aitu to pay costs within 10 days, and if not paid, it would go back to him.    

George earlier said the defendant accepted the verdict, and that she had fragile health, and had travelled back and forth to New Zealand for two years, which had delayed the trial.

Justice Doherty told her following the verdict that immediate payment would weigh heavily at sentencing.

George said the defendant was prepared to pay reparation.

The facts earlier reported, were that the victim was driving to the Tems Store while the defendant left work in Avarua and stopped outside the Hartel Store.

The victim saw the defendant but she (defendant) was not indicating to turn right.

The victim slowed down and kept driving when the defendant made a turn and hit the victim’s bike. The victim had a broken arm and had lacerations.

The defendant had tried denying any fault and shifted the blame to the victim.

Justice Doherty said Webber-Aitu had a “meritless” defence.

“You tried to blame the victim, it does you no credit to have blamed the victim.”

He also disqualified Webber-Aitu from driving for 12 months.