A teenager who unlawfully took a government vehicle in April this year has been convicted and given a 16-month suspended sentence.

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

JP Taoro advised Iona that if he reoffended, he would be back in court for a new charge and face sentencing.

He was convicted for a charge of careless driving and unlawful taking.

The Court heard that on April 25, police received a complaint that the defendant stole a motor vehicle from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) office. The vehicle was later found at the Raro Fried Chicken eatery, where MFAI staff retrieved the key from Iona.

JP Taoro said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration reported the matter to police and found that the vehicle had damages costing $345.

The Court noted that Iona was 17, and it was his first appearance in the High Court.

Senior police prosecutor Fairoa Tararo recommended an 18-month suspended sentence and advised that reparations for vehicle damage had been paid.

Defence counsel Mark Short in explaining the circumstances involved leading to the incident, said the defendant was hanging out with Tereora College juveniles and followed suit.

Short said that when Iona was in Titikaveka College, he was dux, which showed that he had potential.

The defence lawyer said the defendant now has a steady job and had the support of his mother and that they were seeking leniency.

JP Taoro informed Iona that he had been given 16 months to improve his behaviour and was also ordered to pay court costs of $100.