A man facing arson and contempt of court charges is set to enter a guilty plea to the charge of arson following an appearance in the Criminal Court at Avarua on Friday.

Derek Trego was remanded in custody in August 2021 after the court heard he 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 at the time, while requesting custody and a psychiatric report.

On January 28 Chief Justice Sir Hugh Williams said the report indicated Trego might have been insane at the time of the offence but knew right from wrong, before adjourning the matter to February 4.

On Friday defence lawyer Lavi Rokoika said she had read the psychiatric report and told the court Trego would enter a guilty plea.

“We are ready to proceed to sentencing.”

Crown lawyer Jamie Crawford said the contempt of court charges could be wrapped into sentencing.

Justice Williams remanded the matter to February 18 and ordered a probation report.