Recidivist offender Okirua Manuela, who is well-known to the Court system, was warned that any breach of his sentencing conditions could result in imprisonment.

Manuela appeared before Justices of the Peace Tangi Taoro, Nga Mataio and Paul Turepu at the Criminal Court in Avarua yesterday.

Manuela, who was convicted of theft, common assault and contempt of court, was sentenced to 16 months of probation supervision, with the first nine months to be served through community service.

The Court heard that in July this year, Manuela stole a leaf blower from the Cook Islands Funeral Services.

A complaint was made to the police. JP Taoro said Manuela had approached the complainant and asked not to take the matter to the police but the complainant refused. 

For the common assault charge, the Court heard that on July 2 of this year, police received a complaint and it was revealed that the defendant had gone to his father’s house under the influence of alcohol and caused trouble by swearing at his parents.

JP Taoro said Manuela approached his father and threatened to destroy the property and poured beer on his father. He left on a motorbike with his box of beer. 

On July 21, after being ordered by the court not to contact or interfere with the victim, his father, Manuela failed to do so and went to his father’s house to pick oranges without his father’s knowledge. He was caught in the act and argued with his father.

In his submissions, defence lawyer Norman George argued that his client should not be sent to prison and urged the Court to reconsider its decision.

George said the defendant didn’t have a pleasant history as he is a frequent offender.

He said Manuela was bright but was misguided with no discipline and disobedient.

The defence lawyer also stated that Manuela has a mental health problem and utilising Probation Services would be better than sending him to prison.

“I suggest we look at this … think differently and use the Probation Service for rehabilitation,” George said.

JP Taoro said Manuela was a familiar figure in the judiciary system and the court. He first appeared in 2012, and since then have appeared numerous times on different criminal and traffic charges.

She said Manuela mentioned that his criminal background had affected him in getting a job, and he struggles with alcohol, which has affected his life.

JP Taoro said the defendant did not have medical conditions, however, his history of alcohol abuse has caused problems in his relationships and had expressed deep regret for his actions, and offered apologies to the court, again asking for leniency.

She said he is unemployed, has ongoing issues and has anger management problems.

JP Taoro said they were concerned that he has been before the court system since 2012 and he continued to abuse the law.

She further ordered Manuela not to consume or purchase alcohol, not to enter any liquor license premises (bars and nightclubs), and attend counselling. He was ordered to pay $150 court costs.