A second man will appear at the Criminal Court in Avarua today, as a party to the offence of wilfully damaging a property in Parengaru on Boxing Day.

He will appear alongside the main accused, a prominent Cook Islander, who is facing only a charge of wilful damage. Police say more charges could be laid.

The co-offender, a 28-year-old, is also facing charges of excess blood alcohol and careless driving for a case related to the crash at a Tupapa bridge.

Cook Islands Police media and strategic advisor Trevor Pitt says the driving charges are a result of a motor vehicle crash at Tupapa in the early morning of Boxing Day.

The accused’s blood alcohol level was more than three times the legal limit.

The property in Parengaru belongs to Cook Islander and businesswoman, Natasha Wright.

A week ago, she shared CCTV footage on social media showing two individuals armed with knives entering her property on December 26, after 2am.

Wright was concerned that nearly two weeks had passed since she reported the matter to the police and no action had been taken.

She had then told Cook Islands News that she knew who the culprits were.

On Monday, Cook Islands Police arrested the main accused and remanded him in custody in connection with a reported complaint over the wilful damage of property.

Police said that they were in possession of a knife allegedly used in the incident.

“Further charges are likely to arise from these related incidents.”

Cook Islands News is aware of the suspect’s identity but had chosen not to publish it due to the accused family’s personal circumstances.

The accused men are to appear before Justice of the Peace Tangi Taoro this morning. Court starts at 9.30am.