A man who previously claimed he was punched by police and told “shut up, this is not Fiji” changed his plea from not guilty to guilty.

Kitione Rokosuka pleaded guilty to drunkenness in a public place in the Criminal Court at Avarua on Thursday, presided over by Justice of the Peace, Tangi Taoro.

The court heard on July 31 at 3.25am, police came across an argument in a vehicle outside of the Internal Affairs office.

Interacting with police, the defendant swore and said he knew the law because he was an ex-policeman, the court was told.

Rokosuka was taken to the police station and was processed. He refused to make a comment or statement.

The defendant has no prior convictions, the court heard.

Rokosuka was given a suspended sentence for the next six months.

Rokosuka’s lawyer, Lavi Rokoika, apologised on behalf of her client for “his silliness and taking the court’s time”.

In August, Rokoika made a complaint on behalf of her client, that alleged Rokosuka had been punched by police, taken to Arorangi prison and been told “shut up, this is not Fiji”.

“This police brutality is inhumane, unjustified and illegal. I have been practising law in the Cook Islands since 2005, and I have never heard of such arrogance from a member of the Cook Islands Police,” Rokoika said in her complaint.

Police later said the claims were “unfounded” and “don’t stack up”.

Police spokesperson, Trevor Pitt in October said: “The subsequent report, based on the defendant’s words, witness accounts, and the police officers involved, has found there is no substance to the allegation, or claims by the defendant.”