Hiwi Wauatai, who admitted to carelessly driving in Takuvaine on May 13 this year, was discharged without a conviction at the Criminal Court in Avarua last Thursday.

Police prosecutor senior sergeant Fairoa Tararo said the crash occurred at midday when Wauatai’s truck collided with a scooter as he pulled out of a backroad.

Defence counsel Mark Short said this was an honest mistake and Wauatai had already paid the $300 reparation to the victim, covered both his and the victim’s blood analysis cost and asked for leniency.

Justice of the Peace John Whitta said there was minimal injury, the defendant paid all damages and discharged him without conviction. He was ordered to pay $50 court cost.

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Fiji national Ravineel Kaushik has been granted permission by the Court to travel to Fiji despite a pending matter.

The court heard that Kaushik, who faces a charge of careless driving, made travel arrangements to Fiji before the court matter.

Defence lawyer Mona Ioane told Justice of the Peace John Whitta that his client had booked a flight from Rarotonga to Fiji via Auckland to attend a family event.

Ioane provided return tickets as evidence of his client’s return.

Kaushik has been ordered to hand his passport to the High Court upon his return to Rarotonga.

The matter has been adjourned to February 1, 2025.

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Police have withdrawn two counts of threatening to kill charges against Tereapii Greig Mose.

Police prosecutor senior sergeant Fairoa Tararo told Justice of the Peace John Whitta that there was insufficient evidence for the said charge.

Mose through his counsel Michelle Tangimama did however admit to a charge of contempt of court. The Court heard that October 28 at Arorangi he disobeyed court orders by consuming alcohol.

Mose remains in custody as he is to be sentenced for other matters this week.