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Court briefs

Monday 3 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National

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Court briefs
Cook Islands High Court. 24050916

Chief Justice Patrick Keane presided over a number of cases via an audio-visual link at the High Court in Avarua on Friday.

Ngatamaine Pupuke, who appeared from Manihiki through a video call, was represented by defence lawyer Michelle Tangimama who said she would go through the charge list and summary of facts with her client.

Pupuke is charged with four counts of theft as a servant.

The matter has been adjourned to March 7.

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Defence lawyer Norman George is defending the case of a man who is accused of indecently assaulting a victim over the age of 16.

In December last year, Nooroa Uini alias Moni appeared before Justice of the Peace Tangi Taoro at the Criminal Court and entered a not guilty plea through his defence counsel George.

Moni is accused of indecently assaulting the victim on November 16, 2024.

George asked CJ Keane if the Crown would file depositions to help him advise his client.

However, Crown Law prosecutor Tui Scott said depositions are filed 28 days prior to the trail date.

George said the disclosures do not include evidence for the case.

CJ Keane adjourned the matter to the next call over and for all disclosures to be completed for defence.

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Vaine Tutai Ioane has elected a trial by jury through his lawyer Norman George.

Ionae has denied the charges of two counts of careless driving causing injury last year.

Defence lawyer George said the trial would take two days.

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The pick-up truck driver, who is alleged to have struck a 60-year-old motorcyclist causing her death on April 17 last year, has denied the charges of dangerous driving causing death.

Tearoa Mare, through his defence lawyer Mark Short, pleaded not guilty and elected a trial by jury.

The trial has been set for September 1-3.

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Rurutoa Maoate facing a charge of assault on a female and two counts of assault with intent to injure will be provided a sentencing indication by the Court in the next call over.

Maoate told CJ Keane that he would like to know if, should he be sentenced, he would be going to jail.

The Crown was ordered to file a summary of facts, list previous convictions if any, victim impact statements and to be served to Maoate who is not legally represented. This is to be filed by February 20.