Court briefs for the week of October 4, 2021.

Theft as a servant

Tupehoro Pokipoki charged on four counts of theft as a servant appeared in the Criminal Court at Avarua on Thursday.

Pokipoki’s lawyer Mark Short said he had just taken on the defendant as a client and asked for an adjournment.

Justice of the Peace Georgina Williams adjourned the matter for November 4.

Letter of Withdrawal

Isaac Solomona appeared in the Criminal Court at Avarua Thursday for being charged with careless driving causing injury.

Police asked for the matter to be adjourned because they were given a letter from the victim asking for the charge to be withdrawn. Police said they wanted time to review the letter.

Justice of the Peace Georgina Williams adjourned the case for November 4.

Drink driving

Marcus Enoka pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of both or either alcohol and drugs in the Criminal Court on Thursday at Avarua.

Police said Enoka was not new to the justice system and had appeared on similar charges.

Justice of the Peace, Georgina Williams warned Enoka his third appearance could result in a prison sentence.

The court heard the defendant went to a birthday party where he drank too much and drove home.

JP Williams disqualified Enoka of his driver’s licence for 12 months and fined him $250.

Reckless driving

Erick Parutu pleaded guilty to dangerous reckless driving and failing to stop on demand in the Criminal Court at Avarua on Thursday.

It was Parutu’s first appearance in court.

Justice of the Peace, Georgina Williams told the defendant she knew he was young and still maturing but dangerous reckless driving was a serious offence.

JP Williams said the defendant’s first appearance would be taken into account for sentencing.

Parutu was charged with $50 for failing to stop on demand and $50 court costs, and $100 for dangerous reckless driving and another $50 for court costs.

Indecent assault

Hyrum Ulberg was granted bail in the Criminal Court at Avarua after a place was arranged for him to stay.

Ulberg pleaded guilty to a charge of indecent assault last week in the Criminal Court.

On Thursday, Ulberg’s lawyer Mark Short said suitable accommodation had been arranged for his client while he was on bail.

Justice of the Peace, Georgina Williams granted bail with the conditions the defendant was not allowed to purchase of consume alcohol.

The matter is adjourned for December 9.