The majority of the matters in the Criminal Court at Avarua on Thursday were adjourned to a later date.

Nooroa Ioaba Maoate pleaded guilty to driving with excess breath alcohol after being stopped on June 10 by police.

His defence counsel Mark Short told the Court that Maoate was “embarrassed” by what happened.

“Thank goodness no one got hurt,” Short said.

Justice of the Peace John Whitta noted the breath alcohol reading of 260mcg per litre of breath, while above the limit of 250mcg, was on the lower scale of offending and this was Maoate’s first offence.

JP Whitta disqualified Maoate from holding a licence for 12 months, and fined him $250.

Marcus Gibbens pleaded guilty to failing to present a licence within seven days after being stopped at a police checkpoint. He was discharged without conviction.

Tuaine Okotai Tangimetua pleaded guilty to breaching probation licence by failing to turn up to meet his probation officer on June 30, 2022 and July 7, 2022. He told the court that he was busy with work, and forgot about it. JP Whitta fined him $150.

Samuel Azrial Shaheem pleaded guilty to assaulting a female.

The incident occurred on April 9, 2022, when he pushed his partner into the ground for walking in front of the television while he was playing videogames.

JP Whitta noted all assaults at the home had to be treated seriously. He discharged him without conviction, noting he had paid for his partner’s medical checkup after the incident, and that he had attended counselling.

Staycool Turuariki Manuela pleaded guilty to common assault, and has been remanded at large for sentencing on August 30 to allow probation to prepare a report.  

Michael Brown pleaded not guilty to three charges of refusing excess breath alcohol, along with charges of reckless and careless driving. He has been remanded on bail to reappear before Court on September 1.

Ngatamaine Wireless Pupuke, who appeared before JP Whitta via Zoom, faces four charges as theft as a servant, with prosecution indicating there might be more to come. Prosecution sought an adjournment to July 28 so that all charges could be finalised and Pupuke could obtain legal representation.

JP Whitta accepted the request, and remanded Pupuke on bail without plea to July 28.

Raj Deo, who appeared before Court facing a charge of assault on a female, had his defended hearing adjourned until July 19.

Bwebwenteiti Tekatau, who faces a charge of assault on a female, has been remanded on bail until September 1.

His defence counsel Mona Ioane noted the Crown would likely be filing additional charges.

Gandersillia Wainiqolo Vosaki, facing a charge of common assault, has been remanded on bail without plea until July 21. JP Whitta warned her about her previous non-appearances.

Kevin John David Chaloner who faces charges of breaching a temporary protection order and common assault, was remanded at large until July 21.

Tupehoro Pokipoki, who faces eight charges of theft as a servant, had her case remanded until September 1. Lawyer Short said there were a lot of documents to go over, and he had only recently received disclosure.

Joeli Ledua Ligavatu who faces charges of careless driving and driving with excess blood alcohol, was remanded on bail without plea until July 21.

Metua Taana John, who faces charges of assault with intent to injure, contempt of court, and escaping from prison, was placed under a community treatment order with the matter adjourned until September 1. JP Whitta noted there were questions surrounding John’s mental fitness.