A man has spent six days in custody over the New Year break for contempt of court.

Contempt of court

Tuterangi Ataera appeared in the Criminal Court at Avarua on Thursday before Justice of the Peace John Whitta.

The court heard Ataera had been placed on a curfew between 7pm and 7am as the court was waiting to hear a charge of burglary.

On December 30 last year police visited his address and found he was not at home about 9.28pm.

Police visited the address again about midnight on December 30 and he was still not at home.

On December 31 he was questioned by police and admitted he was not home, telling police he was at his grandfather’s house.

He then appeared in court and was remanded in custody.

Police asked the court to impose a fine.

However, defence lawyer Norman George, while saying he did not dispute the summary, asked for a conviction and discharge, given his client had spent six days in custody.

“He was reckless in leaving home, he has been remanded in custody for six days, one would not normally receive imprisonment.

“I would like a conviction and discharge for that.”

In summing up, JP Whitta said the defendant was aware of his bail conditions and that he did not consider the time served as a sentence.

Ataera was convicted and fined $75 plus $50 court costs.

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Fleeing motorcyclist

A fleeing motorcyclist has been convicted and fined. 

Robert Simiona appeared in the Criminal Court on Thursday facing a charge of failing to stop on demand.  

The court heard Simiona was asked to stop by police in Tupapa on December 26 but didn’t. It was about 2.15am when the motorcycle was sited.

Police said the driver and passenger were not wearing helmets, and police then pursued the motorcycle.

The motorcycle turned into a side road and into a vacant lot.

Police approached the driver who then “took off into a plantation”. Police talked to the passenger who then confirmed who the defendant was.

Simiona was convicted and fined $50 plus $50 court costs.