A man facing a charge of threatening to kill will face a day in court despite not making an appearance, as it was assumed the charge against him would be dropped.

When Johnny Gibby Kamikamica’s name was called in the Criminal Court on Thursday last week, defence counsel Lavi Rokoika said she appeared for the defendant, for the purpose of withdrawing the charge.

She sought leave for her client.

Police, however, said the complainant wanted the matter to go ahead.

Rokoika said she did not have disclosure and described the family having been “chaotic” since she arrived in the Cook Islands in 2004.

Justice of the Peace Nadine Newnham said a date would be set for disclosure and the matter was adjourned to December 21.

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Assault accused says Police are not communicating  

A man facing a charge of assaulting a female has criticised police over their apparent lack of communication.

His case was recalled after an earlier non-appearance on Thursday.

Police said the matter was being considered for diversion and had been before the court since April, while no plea had been entered.

Police said a plea of guilty was required if diversion was to be considered.

The Police prosecutor said he would leave the matter with his colleague who would be back on duty this week.

The defendant then addressed the court, saying the matter had been dragging on for a long time.

He said he had been advised that diversion had been considered but Police had made no contact with his partner, who was in court with him.

He said the couple had been pro-active with contacting the Police prosecution team but they had not replied to enquiries.

JP Nadine Newnham said the matter would be deferred and reminded the defendant he needed to enter a guilty plea to be eligible for diversion.

“It is difficult to contact the police, they just don’t want to talk to us,” the defendant said.

The matter was adjourned to October 12 and name suppression continues.