Ngamau Wichman Tou appeared in High Court last week, facing a charge of obtaining by false pretence which was replaced with a charge of forgery.

Crown Prosecutor Jamie Crawford said the Crown had “finally received information from the Financial Intelligence Unit, as to why it took so long”.

“We have given our position; we will not seek back records; I have received the defence objection.”

 Chief Justice Patrick Keane said he had read the memorandum.

Originally, the charge was pleaded to, and CJ Keane was to be the sentencing judge.

An application was made, and he permitted the matter to go ahead on a fresh basis.

While defence lawyer Norman George had an application to have the matter struck out on delay, CJ Keane asked Crawford to file a memorandum. 

He said two points interested him, principles that apply, and year spans that are acceptable and unacceptable.

“Then Mr George can respond to that; the principles are straight forward, it’s a matter of identifying them.” 

He asked Crawford when she could file a memorandum. Crawford said before the end of April. 

George said it would take him about two weeks to respond. 

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A man facing a multitude of charges, including dangerous driving and failing to stop has told a Judge he wants his case dealt with “sooner rather than later”. 

Daniel Akama, in custody, appeared last week on charges of unlawfully taking, two of dangerous driving causing injury, excess breath alcohol, two of failing to stop and render assistance, failing to stop on demand, and three contempt of court charges. 

Akama told the court he didn’t want legal representation and wanted the matter dealt with “now”.

He said the matter was “dragging” on.

“I’m not happy.”

Akama said he had already entered a plea in the Criminal Court.

Probation said a report had been ordered but they were waiting on new charges.

Chief Justice Patrick Keane said a probation report would be prepared and it would likely be heard again in April.

CJ Keane said he understood Akama’s frustration and said he would have the matter called so it could be dealt with earlier. 

“I’m prepared to do it in March. You are remanded in custody to your sentencing date in March, on a date to be fixed.”