Three-year driving ban

A man with a medical health condition has been ordered not to drive for three years due to health concerns raised at the Criminal Court in Avarua yesterday.

Justice of the Peace John Whitta also set aside the reparation payment of around $2000 for defendant Mariri Terepo.

Terepo was charged for carelessly driving on December 21 last year where he collided with a pickup truck on the Tupapa main road. He pleaded guilty on March 28, 2024.

His blood alcohol result was negative. The court heard Terepo had blacked out. Two letters from two doctors were submitted to the court stating the defendant suffered from a medical health condition including short term memory loss.

JP Whitta said the reparations sought were considerable. He had set aside the reparation orders because the defendant could not afford this as he was not earning, and further court action may come against the defendant.

The defendant was ordered to pay $150 for blood analysis. Court cost was waived.