Court briefs for the week of August 13, 2021

Kayakers warned

A few weekend incidents have highlighted some key areas of awareness, as tourists begin to take up a bigger share of police attention.

These primarily revolve around the security of personal belongings and the risks involved in enjoying the lagoon, a police spokesperson said in a statement.

On Saturday afternoon, for instance, police received a call from an Arorangi accommodator, who reported that a tourist had capsized in a kayak on the ocean side of the reef.

The visitor returned safely but the warning remains.

“Don’t take the unnecessary risk of kayaking over the reef. Even under seemingly calm conditions, tragedy has occurred with such behaviour on Rarotonga,” police warned.

“Anyone providing the use of kayaks to tourists should keep in mind these warnings about unnecessary risks, as well as visitors themselves.”

Warnings not to be lulled into complacency also apply to managing personal belongings, especially money and other items of value.

Police received three incident reports over the weekend involving the loss of money.

One was a tourist, who hitched a ride, possibly leaving his wallet behind in the vehicle after being dropped off. Another involved the theft of items from a hotel room, and the third was a reported break-in at a unit where visitors had cash stolen from a wallet.

• Police Media

COURT BRIEFS: Remanded in custody

Derek Trego was remanded in custody on two charges of contempt.

The police prosecutor in court last week said Trego had breached bail conditions within hours of a previous appearance.

It was not his first breach of bail and there were some concerns, the police prosecutor said.

“We request custody and a psychiatric report.”

Justice of the Peace Georgina Keenan-Williams granted the application for custody and adjourned the matter to September 2. 

In another matter, Gwendaline Vakapora appeared on a charged of careless driving causing injury.

Vakapora, representing herself, said she had made reparations to the victim.

“To her credit, she has made reparations, there is a victim involved; our request is a plea,” the police prosecutor said.

Vakapora entered a guilty plea and the matter was adjourned to September 3.

• Al Williams