Change in order

Metua John, who is currently on a community treatment order, had his conditions changed in the Criminal Court to allow him to go fishing with his father.

On Thursday, lawyer Mark Short, who was filling in for Michelle Tangimama, read a letter by clinical psychologist Dr Evangelene Wong asking for the change.

The letter said John was responding well to community treatment and also asked that he could be given a drivers licence.

However, the prosecution said the decision to give the licence was for the police to decide. 

Justice of the Peace, Bernice Manarangi made the change to allow John to go fishing.

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No show again

Isake Fimone, failed to appear in the Criminal Court a second time for excess breath alcohol.

Norman George, who is Fimone’s lawyer, said on Thursday, he tried to get hold of his client but was not able to.

George said he will leave the matter with the police.

Justice of the Peace, Bernice Manarangi ordered a bench warrant.

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Discharged

Rima Iotua, who is charged with a breach of a community service, was discharged without conviction in the Criminal Court at Avarua.

Iotua failed to attend community service on November 21.

On Thursday, probation asked for the defendant to be convicted and discharged because he had almost finished his community service.

Iotua’s lawyer, Keykore Ahsin, said he appreciated the probation’s recommendation.

Justice of the Peace, Bernice Manarangi, convicted and discharged the defendant.

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Drink driving

Terangihuia Tuaru pleaded guilty through his lawyer to careless driving and excess blood alcohol in the Criminal Court at Avarua on Thursday.

The court heard on October 30, Tuaru was over five times the legal blood alcohol limit.

The defendant had a previous excess blood alcohol charge in 2017.

Tuaru’s lawyer, Norman George said four years ago was a long time since his previous conviction and his client entered an early guilty plea.

“We ask for leniency, it’s that time of the year, it’s Christmas where everyone’s heart is open to charity and kindness.”

Justice of the Peace Bernice Manarangi disqualified Tuara from driving for 12 months and ordered $450 be paid for the excess blood alcohol charge, and $150 for the cost of the blood test. The JP also ordered $50 be paid for the careless driving charge.