A number of criminal matters were called before Chief Justice Patrick Keane via audio visual link at the Criminal High Court in Avarua on September 1.

Heather Joy Webber-Aitu’s trial for charges of careless driving causing injury could be heard at this month’s judge session.

Crown prosecutor Jamie Crawford said it was an old matter and they could get on with it as quickly as possible.

Benjamin Jessie’s sentencing date is to be confirmed by the court registrar. Jessie had admitted to the charges of possession of cannabis, careless driving and possession of utensils, and is represented by lawyer Mona Ioane.

Police prosecutor senior sergeant Fairoa Tararo said a pre-sentence report was ordered on August 17.

Jonathan Elisa had elected a jury trial after denying charges of excess blood alcohol and dangerous driving causing death.

Represented by lawyer Norman George, Elisa denied the charges last month.

He was accused of being the motorbike driver who caused a fatal crash on June 10 this year.

Crown prosecutor Jamie Crawford said they would confirm the charges on the next call over- October 27.

Charges against a Taana Metua John were withdrawn.

Crown prosecutor Jamie Crawford said in the court, that following a report on John’s psychological status – the charges were withdrawn.

Chief Justice Patrick Kean said a minute on this would be issued, and agreed with Crown Law.

A man who is charged with rape and under interim name suppression had his matter adjourned to February 2 next year for a call over.

Crown prosecutor Jamie Crawford said they were waiting for forensic results. The trial is expected to be heard in March, 2024.

For custody matters

Nga William Lesley Ellis has been remanded in custody. Crown prosecutor Jamie Crawford said the defendant appeared on August 19 for a charge of threatening to kill.

The Crown had opposed bail then, and he was advised to get a lawyer and apply for bail.

However, Ellis had no legal representative and said he did not want a lawyer.

It is alleged that on August 18 this year at Avatiu, Ellis had threatened to kill the victim.

Ellis told CJ Keane that it was said he had been holding a machete, but he was not.

CJ Keane advised Ellis to provide a statement of facts / disclosures.

CJ Keane adjourned the matter to October 27 and told the defendant he could apply for bail then, but needed to provide a residential address.

Ngametua Tiatoa remains in custody for the charges of assaulting a police officer, contempt of court, two counts of drunkenness in a public place, resisting police, wounding with intent to injure, common assault and assault with intent.

Lawyer Michelle Tangimama asked for full disclosure and said she needed to consult with the defendant.

She said she would be making a bail application at the next session before a Judge.

The same was requested by Tangimama for her client Daniel Akama who is also remanded in custody.

Akama faces multiple charges of rape, indecent assault, burglary contempt of court, dangerous driving causing injury, unlawful taking and excess breath alcohol.

Ngametua Tiatoa is also remanded in custody.

Defence lawyer Norman George asked to look through the disclosures and would see his client before entering a plea.

The matter has been adjourned to October.