An 18-year-old man has been given a two-year suspended sentence for his role in a mass brawl on Rarotonga.

Ariki Tou-Ariki, 18, appeared in the Criminal Court on Thursday and Friday last week.

On Thursday, the matter was adjourned after police said another charge was to be added, as the defendant was facing a charge of fighting in a public place.

On Friday, police noted a charge of common assault had been added.

Ariki entered guilty pleas to both charges.

The charges related to a brawl that took place in Nikao on Sunday afternoon, January 28.

Multiple males ranging in age from 15 to 25 years were consequently rounded up with charges related to fighting in public, and assault with intent.

Tou-Ariki was involved in the fight, exchanging punches with a co-defendant.

He then moved to another location where another assault took place on another person.

He admitted to the facts.

Police said there were minor injuries and recommended a suspended sentence of two years.

Justice of the Peace Vania Kenning sentenced Tou-Ariki to a suspended sentence of two years, ordering him to come up for sentencing, plus $50 court costs.

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A man has been discharged without conviction on a charge of careless driving.

Manuel Tobias appeared in the Criminal Court on Thursday where his lawyer Mark Short said he had been instructed to enter a guilty plea on behalf of his client.

The court heard that on August 26, 2023, about 3.55am, Tobias was driving a car when he lost control.

There was no alcohol in his system.

It was his first appearance in court and his lawyer Mark Short sought a discharge without conviction.

Short described his client as a “good kid” who had ambitions to work in first response.

Police did not have an issue with Short’s submission.

Justice of the Peace Vania Kenning discharged Tobias without conviction.