Guilty to assault

Eria Bubutei pleaded guilty to four counts of assault on a child in the Criminal Court at Avarua on Thursday.

Bubutei pleaded guilty through his lawyer Mark Short.

Short said: “He wants to take responsibility and that is why he is taking this plea today.”

Justice of the Peace Vania Kenning set the matter for sentencing on December 21.

Old EBA charges

A man appeared in the Criminal Court with drink driving related charges dating back to 2018.

Michael Brown appeared on Thursday charged with careless driving, dangerous reckless driving and three counts of refusing an excess breath alcohol test.

Brown’s lawyer Keykore Ahsin said he was asked to act for Brown a couple of months ago.

Ahsin said some charges dated back to 2018 while others were laid in 2021.

He said Brown pleaded not guilty to some of his charges when he was with another lawyer and asked to have them withdrawn.

Ahsin also said Brown needed to find a new lawyer because he was leaving Rarotonga next year. He said Brown’s case would likely be completed in early 2023.

Justice of the Peace Vania Kenning adjourned the matter for December 22 and withdrew previous pleas.

Profane language

A woman pleaded guilty to using profane, indecent and obscene language within the hearing of any person in a public place.

Tihau Bakoauea also pleaded guilty to excess breath alcohol and found drunk in a public place in the Criminal Court at Avarua on Thursday.

Bakoauea’s lawyer Norman George entered guilty plea on his client’s behalf.

Justice of the Peace Vania Kenning, who oversaw the matter, adjourned the matter for sentencing on December 21.

Bench warrant

Talimealahi Tuileila charged with excess breath alcohol has been served a bench warrant for failing to appear in the Criminal Court at Avarua.

Police requested the bench warrant after Tuileila did not appear on Thursday.

It was granted by Justice of the Peace Vania Kenning.