A consultant employed by Maritime Cook Islands was ordered to pay a $9309 restitution after being discharged for a driving-related matter.

Giovanni Fantoni appeared before Chief Justice Patrick Keane for the charge of careless driving causing injury, where the incident occurred in Arorangi on March 17 this year.

He admitted to the charge through his counsel Michelle Tangimama, who said her client had no issue with paying restitution.

Police prosecutor senior sergeant Fairoa Tararo reported on March 17 that a motor vehicle crash involving the accused and the victim in front of the Alberto’s Restaurant occurred at about 2.30pm.

The court heard that the accused missed his turn at a resort (Sunset Resort) before the said restaurant. The victim was coming in the opposite direction and upon making a U-turn they collided.

Senior sergeant Tararo said the accused admitted he was irresponsible and agreed to pay $3750 for motorcycle damages, $589 for a damaged JBL speaker, $20 for medical expenses, $2970 for the victim’s loss of wages from The Edgewater Resort for six weeks because of the accident, and the victim’s mum’s loss of wages of $2000 for having to stay home and look after the victim.

CJ Keane said Fantoni did not dispute the charges and that accidents like these were common in the Cook Islands.

He said the amount of restitution was significant and given the significant sum to be paid by the defendant, he discharged him without a conviction.