Edwin Singh pleaded guilty to careless driving on Friday last week after the charge was reduced from careless driving causing injury.

Guilty to careless driving

Singh pleaded guilty through his lawyer, Lavi Rokoika in the High Court at Avarua.

The original and more severe charge was careless driving causing injury - which has a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment or a fine not exceeding $5000. The careless driving charge only has a maximum fine of $100.

The incident occurred last year by Palace Burger, when the defendant tried to pass a motorcycle while driving a car.

Singh failed to notice the victim indicate to turn right which resulted in a collision causing $540 of damage to the bike.

Chief Justice Sir Hugh Williams, who appeared via Zoom, ordered Singh to repay the damage and an additional $20 for the victim’s medical report.

Williams said “in the circumstances that is a sufficient penalty”. A disqualification of Singh's licence was not sought after by the prosecution.

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Accused to enter plea this month

Tamarii Kaivananga charged with money laundering and cannabis related charges will enter a plea later this month.

The matter was brought before Chief Justice Sir Hugh Williams who appeared via Zoom on last Friday’s High Court at Avarua.

Kaivananga’s lawyer, Lavi Rokoika said she hoped to make a plea when Judge Williams was in Rarotonga next week.

Kaivananga’s cannabis charges are selling class C cannabis for the purpose of dealing and conspiring to sell class C cannabis.

The matter is adjourned for a date to be set by court staff. Kaivananga is on bail until the next court appearance.