Police have received a letter of withdrawal from the partner of a man charged with assault on a female.

Assault on a female charge

Morey Vati, who is facing the charge, appeared in the Avarua Criminal Court on Thursday.

The prosecution asked Justice of the Peace, John Whitta to adjourn the matter to allow time for the police to consider the withdrawal request.

JP Whitta told the defendant in situations where there was an assault between partners, he normally separated couples.

“For the time being I just want you to stay apart,” JP Whitta told Vati.

The court heard the complainant was now staying with her family away from the defendant.

The matter is adjourned for May 12.

The defendant is not allowed to see or communicate with the complainant as part of his bail conditions.

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Guilty plea

Kitione Rokosuka entered a guilty plea to assault on a female at the Criminal Court in Avarua on Thursday.

The court heard the assault took place on January 5 this year.

The defendant represented himself in court after his defence lawyer, Lavi Rokoika withdrew as counsel.

Rokosuka also had a six-month suspended sentence for drunkenness in a public place that will be revisited in sentencing.

Justice of the Peace, John Whitta adjourned the matter for sentencing on May 10.

Rokosuka entered a guilty plea of drunkenness in a public place in December last year.

He originally claimed he was abused by police and pleaded not guilty but later changed to a guilty plea.

In December, the defendant's lawyer, Rokoika apologised on behalf of her client for “his silliness and taking the court’s time”.

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Bench warrant

Petio Pira charged with careless driving and excess blood alcohol failed to appear in the Criminal Court on Thursday.

Justice of the Peace, John Whitta who oversaw the matter ordered a bench warrant.

The prosecution said Pira had previously been given time to seek legal counsel and had given no excuse for his non-appearance.