Justice of the Peace Vania Kenning has issued a bench warrant for Tangimetua Tangimetua, who has absconded from the country.

Police prosecutor senior sergeant Fairoa Tararo said the accused fled the country recently.

Tangimetua faces a charge of unlawful taking.

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The case of a man arrested Saturday night in Avatiu, after witnesses stopped him and took his car key, has been adjourned to April 10.

Gus Fatoni appeared at the Criminal Court on Thursday, facing a charge of excess breath alcohol.

Defence lawyer Jamie Crawford said the accused would need a translator and requested an adjournment.

It was earlier reported that the accused was driving dangerously at the controlled single-lane roadway at bridge works in Avatiu on Saturday night, driving past a red light and towards another vehicle.

The driver and a passenger were observed to be intoxicated. Police had to call in a translator, as the driver could not communicate in English.

He had a breathalyser test reading of more than three and a half times the limit.

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Araitia Araitia, also represented by defence counsel Jaimie Crawford, admitted to the charge of disorderly behaviour and drunk in a public place, namely in Tupapa, on March 20.

JP Kenning convicted and ordered Araitia to pay $50 for the disorderly charge, $20 for drunk in a public place and $50 for court costs.