A Pa Enua indecent assault suspect, a man, was transferred to Rarotonga on Thursday afternoon and has been remanded at the Arorangi Prison Services.

Crown Law senior counsel Jamie Crawford told Justice of the Peace Nadine Newnham that the accused, who was present through an audio-visual call on Thursday morning, was appearing for the first time.

The court heard that the sexual offending involved victims who are minors.

The accused could serve 14 years in jail and has a history of breaching court orders, the court heard.

The matter was adjourned to June 28 for the Chief Justice Sitting.

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A man accused of assaulting a female continues to hold interim name suppression.

Defence lawyer Norman George argued that the matter belonged in family court.

However, Catherine Evans, the victim’s lawyer, countered that the charges were criminal in nature and fell under the jurisdiction of the criminal court system, not the family court.

The matter was then adjourned to June 20.

In a common assault case, Evans asked if the victim of the previously mentioned assault charge can appear in the same room as the accused due to a protection order in her favour.

Evans said it was inappropriate for a survivor of domestic violence to appear in the same court room on the same day.

JP Newnham accepted the defendant’s non-appearance and adjourned her matter to June 27.

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In a theft matter, Sina Daniel represented by defence lawyer Norman George, is facing two counts of using a document with intent to defraud.

George said the first charge involves a $5000 amount. He also believes there’s another charge for $5000 that needs to be completed.

He indicated that if his client was not going to face another charge, they would elect a three Justices of the Peace sitting or it would be a judge and jury trial.

The matter has been adjourned to June 28.  

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In a careless driving matter, Laurids Rasmussen who entered a not guilty plea had elected a judge alone trial.

Rasmussen was represented by defence lawyer Michelle Tangimama.

The matter was adjourned to June 28 for a trial date to be confirmed.

Crown Law indicated trial could take place in June next year.

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Elliot Hunt denied the charges of threatening to kill and common assault at a High Court call over on Friday.

Hunt represented by defence lawyer Mark Short appeared before Chief Justice Patrick Keane who presided via an audio-visual link.

The court heard that on September 23 last year, Hunt punched the victim. She is further alleged to have threatened to kill him.

Crown Law senior counsel Jamie Crawford said they were filing a trial memorandum and would schedule a date for trial.

Defence lawyer Short was concerned with the trial dates, stating he may not be in the country for certain dates and reasons.

CJ Keane said the trial would unlikely be held this year. He told Hunt that the matter could not be heard this year as they were fully occupied.

The matter was adjourned to January 2025 for a call over. 

Hunt continues to be on bail and has been ordered not to contact the victim.