Maika Nateru, who appeared before Justice of the Peace Vania Kenning at the Criminal Court in Avarua yesterday, has been ordered to pay a fine of $300 for excess blood alcohol.

Nateru admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol on December 20 last year.

Police prosecutor senior sergeant Fairoa Tararo said his blood alcohol level of 159.9 milligrams exceeded the prescribed limit.

Tararo said Nateru, who also admitted to a charge of careless driving, was driving a motorcycle when he lost control and crashed, having fallen asleep.

Nateru is ordered to pay an additional fine of $150 for his blood report, $50 fine for careless driving and $100 court cost. He also received 12 months disqualification from driving or obtaining a driver’s licence.

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Peter Chan Kureta has admitted to the charge of assault on a female.

Police prosecutor senior sergeant Fairoa Tararo said the man was in a police diversion programme, but on the advice of JP John Whitta, he would still need to enter a plea despite being in the programme.

Kureta admitted that on September 8, 2024, at Tupapa he assaulted a female.

A probation report was ordered and the matter was adjourned for sentencing on April 15.

Similarly, Osea Tamonikau whose case was also put through a police diversion has been adjourned to April 3 for a plea to be entered.

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Tetiare Inamata, represented by defence lawyer Mark Short, admitted to a charge of theft.

Short informed the Court that Inamata has paid back the money.

Inamata is accused of taking $1000 from the OTB Restaurant.

He is on bail with conditions not to go to the OTB premises and not to interfere with police investigation or with restaurant owner Philip Nordt.

The defendant is to be sentenced on May 14 before three Justices of the Peace.

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Nikau Teao, through his lawyer Mark Short, has admitted to a charge of excess blood alcohol and breaching police safety order.

He is to be sentenced on May 13.

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A man, who is in custody facing two counts of indecent assault, has had his case adjourned to February 27.

The defendant’s details are suppressed due to the nature of the offence and to protect the victim’s identity.

The matter has been adjourned to February 27 to give time for the accused to seek legal counsel.