Derran Tuakeu was told he was lucky no one was killed after he was convicted of drink-driving when he appeared in the Criminal Court at Avarua last Thursday.

Tuakeu appeared in the Criminal Court on Thursday charged with excess blood alcohol and careless driving. 

The court heard on March 19, 2022, Tuakeu was travelling on a motorcycle on the Back Rd in Nikau, coming from Arorangi, when he overtook a white van at high speed and crashed into a motorcycle headed in the same direction.

He was taken to hospital and found to have 333 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.

He refused to give a statement.

JP Rangi said:”You were very drink, you were lucky no-one was killed.”

Tuakeu was fined $200 plus ordered to pay $300 for two blood tests, disqualified from driving for 12 months, fined $30 for careless driving and ordered to pay $50 court costs.

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A bench warrant was issued for Pomare Tapoa Punanga Pittman who failed to appear in court to answer a charge of common assault and assault with intent to injure.

“Again, my apologies,” Defence lawyer Michelle Tangimama, acting on behalf of lawyer Mark Short said.

The police prosecutor said guilty pleas had been taken.

“The matter has gone on for some time,” Justice Rangi said.

A bench warrant was ordered.

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Jason Matakino also appeared on charges of drink-driving and careless driving. 

He entered guilty pleas to both charges before the court heard on April 9, 2022, about 3.50am, police arrived at the scene of a crash where the defendant was waiting.

He was asked to accompany police for a blood test at Rarotonga Hospital.

On April 26 he was interviewed by police and admitted drink-driving.

The blood test results showed he had 115 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.

JP Rangi fined him $250 for drink-driving, ordered him to pay $150 for the blood test, fined him $30 for careless driving plus $50 court costs, and disqualified him from driving for 12 months.