Morey Vati appeared in the Criminal Court on Thursday for assault on a female thinking his charge was dropped.

Vati, who represented himself, said the complainant asked for the charge to be withdrawn.

“If the charges are going to be dropped why am I putting a plea in,” he said.

Police confirmed they did review the case after seeing the complaint but decided to still proceed with the charge.

Vati said: “If it has to go on, it has to go on, I just thought the case was dropped.”

“I just hope the court take some consideration to look at my history, I don't have a violent nature against women because quite frankly your honour, I love women.”

Police asked Justice of the Peace Vania Keening to adjourn the matter to give Vati time to get a lawyer if he wanted one.

Justice of the Peace Vania Kenning told the defendant he should give some serious thought into getting legal counsel.

The matter is adjourned for July 21.

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Travel insurance

Jerson Doculan was saved by a tourist’s travel insurance after causing $1872 of damage to a rental car by backing a Land Cruiser into it.

Doculan appeared in the Criminal Court at Avarua on Thursday. A week ago, he pleaded guilty to careless driving relating to the incident.

The court heard, the tourist driving the rental car had travel insurance that covered the whole cost of the damage.

Police said Doculan was fortunate the tourist had insurance otherwise he would have had to pay the amount.

Justice of the Peace, Vania Kenning who oversaw the matter convicted and fined Doculan $50 and an additional $50 in court costs.

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Bench warrant

Fofonga Taio who failed to appear in court was going to have her threatening to kill charge withdrawn but now has a bench warrant.

In the Criminal Court at Avarua on Thursday, police said they were going to make an application to withdraw the charge, however, they still needed Taio present in court to do so.

Police then asked Justice of the Peace Vania Kenning for a bench warrant, which was then ordered by the JP.