After a year on bail and seven days in custody, local plumber Tangimetua Tangimetua, a father of two, has been convicted and fined $100 for his involvement in a nightclub brawl in November 2023.

This after Tangimetua vacated the not guilty plea and entered a guilty plea at the start of the four-day judge alone trial before Justice Christine Grice on Tuesday.

He was charged with fighting in a public place and injuring with intent. The incident at Rehab Nightclub gained significant public attention due to its scale and the injuries sustained by others involved.

Tangimetua pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of fighting in a public place. An initial charge of injuring with intent was withdrawn after discussions between the Crown prosecutor and defence counsel, Norman George.

George highlighted his client’s compliance with bail conditions over the past year and argued that Tangimetua had effectively served his punishment.

“He’s been on bail for a year without any problems, without any fault,” George said, adding that his client had also spent seven days in custody.

“I ask for the Court’s sympathy and forgiveness.”

Justice Grice acknowledged the lengthy proceedings, noting, “It’s a shame it didn’t resolve sooner. It might have been easier for him.”

She emphasised the importance of consistency in sentencing, aligning Tangimetua’s penalty with those of five others previously fined $100 for similar offences.

The brawl, which involved seven men – six visiting from Australia – escalated outside the nightclub after a fight between two groups.

Tangimetua, who had been socialising with family and friends and was reportedly sober, struck a member of the opposing group with a pool cue during the brawl.

Justice Grice took into account Tangimetua’s local ties, full-time employment as a plumber, and his role as a father of two.

She also credited him for his conduct while on bail and noted his lesser involvement compared to others charged with more serious offences.

“I must bear in mind the consistency requirement and the fact that you now face the lesser charge of fighting in a public place,” Justice Grice said. “I convict you and fine you $100 on that charge.”

The high-profile brawl initially resulted in multiple charges against seven individuals, including more severe offences for some.

The six Australian defendants, who sustained visible injuries during the fight, were fined and returned to Australia after sentencing.

Tangimetua, the only local defendant, remained in Rarotonga awaiting trial.

The case also drew attention to the justice system’s handling of violent incidents, with defence lawyer George emphasising the delays and the impact on his client.