Several court matters were presided by Justice of the Peace John Whitta at Criminal Court in Rarotonga on September 7.

A 52-year-old visitor who crashed outside the Cook Islands Tourism office in Avarua on September 2, has had her case adjourned to September 14.

Ralene Tito who appeared before Justice of the Peace John Whitta at the Criminal Court in Avarua on September 7.

Tito told the court she was to return overseas and did not know how the Cook Islands court system works.

JP Whitta advised her to seek legal guidance.

He said he had to adjourn the matter to another week because the case involved reparation for the rental car she had been driving and damages to the tourism office.

She faces a charge of excess breath alcohol (EBA) as she blew 610mcg (micrograms per litre of breath).

Her passport was handed to the court.  

Tearataia Teiti who was also one of the drivers arrested on September 2 for careless driving and EBA had his case adjourned to September 14.

His EBA result was 980mcg and he was advised to see a lawyer.

On the matter of Keleni Muasonu for the charge of careless driving causing injury, JP Whitta also advised her to get a lawyer.

The matter was adjourned for a call over on October 5.

JP Whitta said she was facing a serious charge and recommended she not enter a plea, get her case disclosures and talk about it with a lawyer.

The matter will go before a Judge for sentencing.

Sonya Apa Temata’s case of common assault was adjourned for sentencing on November 7.

Her matter will be heard before one JP and probation reports were provided.

Pulo Teio had admitted to the charge of theft of lemons. He also pleaded guilty for being unlawfully found in Tupapa on September 5.

Defence counsel Mark Short said Teio had already paid some cash for the lemons.

The matter has been adjourned to October 24 for sentencing.

Teautabu Ariu was convicted and ordered to pay a fine of $200 for breaching community service and two counts of breach of probationary service.

For the matter of EBA where he blew over 200mcg, the case has been adjourned to September 14 for a call over.

Defence counsel Lavi Rokoika will be making submissions to the court in relation to the law.