Court briefs for the week of October 1, 2021.

Probation for assault

Robert Vakatini was sentenced to one-year probation with the first three months on community service for assault with intent to injure.

Justice of the Peace, Georgina Williams sentenced Vakatini in the Avarua Criminal Court on Tuesday.

The court heard, Vakatini a father to a young family, punched, slapped and allegedly held a knife to his 15-year-old cousin for stealing $50.

“Beating up your cousin for taking your money was indeed excessive,” JP Williams said.

Vakatini has prior convictions but it was his first appearance on a violent offence.

Defence lawyer, Michelle Tangimama said her client was very remorseful for his actions. She said Vakatini gave an apology letter to the victim soon after the incident.

Police said the family of the victim wanted to withdraw charges but because of the seriousness of the incident police did not drop the charges. 

Tangimama said the victim, the defendant’s employer and the mother of the victim were all in court to support her client.

In addition to Vakatini’s probation sentence, $20 is to be paid for the victim’s medical report and $50 for court costs by the defendant.  – CF

Next time prison for drink driver

Justice of the Peace Georgina Williams warned second time drink driver if he does it again prison would be the likely outcome.

“I hope you realise you’re one step away from prison,” JP Williams told Japhet Maoate in the Criminal Court at Avarua on Tuesday.

Maoate breath tested four times over the legal alcohol limit on July 25, which led to a night in prison.

JP Williams said she hoped the night in prison would deter the defendant from doing it again.

Police said they wanted the defendant to spend six months on community service for the offence.

But Maoate’s lawyer, Tai Nicholas said it would affect his client’s employment.

Apart from 12 months’ disqualification of his license, Maoate was slapped with $400 fine and has to pay $50 in court costs. JP Williams said she would not impose community service as part of the sentence because she did not want to affect the defendant’s work.