Robert Graham pleaded guilty in the Criminal Court at Avarua on Thursday last week for common assault after having a “tussle” with a visitor.

Graham previously had name suppression to give him time to notify his family about the incident.

Graham’s lawyer Mark Short said his client, who works as head of security for Edgewater Resort and Spa, asked the complainant to move their vehicle away from the emergency access area where they parked.

Short said the complainant then swore at Graham and the two of them “ended up in a tussle”.

“I believe he entered a plea of guilty just to have this matter over and done with, he doesn’t like coming to court,” Short said.

“I believe he had grounds to defend this matter.”

The court heard this was Graham’s first appearance in court.

Justice of the Peace, Vania Kenning adjourned the matter for sentencing on July 19.