Court
Defended hearing for reckless and drink-driving accused two years on
Monday 5 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A reckless and drink driving case which has dragged on for two years, has been set down for a defended hearing.
Judge refuses Crown Law recommendations and spares cannabis convicted man jail time
Monday 5 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A Judge has refused to jail a man on cannabis charges despite calls from Crown Law for a custodial sentence.
Driver escapes injury but not conviction after crash in Aroa
Saturday 3 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A 24-year-old motorist who escaped serious injury when his van veered off the road in Aroa and tumbled into a stream has not escaped conviction.
No person is above the law: Brown
Saturday 3 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Economy, Local, National, Politics
Prime Minister Mark Brown confirmed Tongareva seat is vacant after former deputy prime minister Robert Tapaitau’s conviction, triggering a by-election within 60 days.
Alleged brawlers told to clean their act up in court
Friday 2 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
Multiple men have appeared in court charged with fighting in a public place following an incident at Super Brown in Nikao on Sunday January 28.
Tapaitau remains in office, awaiting removal process
Friday 2 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Economy, National, Parliament, Politics
Cook Islands Deputy Prime Minister remains in office despite conviction while awaiting formal removal process and potential appeal.
Trio found guilty in high profile corruption case
Thursday 1 February 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
Deputy Prime Minister Robert Tapaitau, former National Environment Service (NES) director Nga Puna, and his wife and former Secretary of Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI), Diane Charlie-Puna have been found guilty of “all or most offences” following a judgement given by Chief Justice Patrick Keane.
Trio guilty in high-profile corruption case
Wednesday 31 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in BREAKING NEWS, Court, Crime, National
Deputy Prime Minister Robert Tapaitau, former National Environment Service (NES) director Nga Puna, and his wife and former Secretary of Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI), Diane Charlie-Puna have been found guilty of “all or most offences” following a judgement given by Chief Justice Patrick Keane.
Assault accused fails bid for bail
Tuesday 30 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A man charged with multiple assaults on a female has failed in his bid to be released from custody.
JCPC delay frustrates Police as backlog of cases piles up
Tuesday 30 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, Local, National
Police seek swifter activation of the Juvenile Crime Prevention Committee to address a backlog of cases, including a burglary involving a 13-year-old suspect. Losirene Lacanivalu reports.
Recidivist offender fails in bid for freedom
Monday 29 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A man with a lengthy list of alcohol related offending has pleaded for his freedom without success.
Assault accused granted name suppression
Monday 29 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A man charged with common assault has been given interim name suppression following his first appearance in court.
Defence lawyer to appeal interim name suppression decision
Saturday 27 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
Lawyer Norman George will appeal a decision by Justice of the Peace Vania Kenning to deny his client interim name suppression.
Court news
Saturday 27 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
Assault accused to defend himself
Tears in court as man pleads for brother’s freedom
Friday 26 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
The brother of a man facing burglary charges has pleaded through tears with the court to release him, to help care for their wheelchair bound father.
Drink driving accused appear in court
Wednesday 24 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
Sailosi Waqalala Ratuvukivuki appeared before Justice of the Peace John Whitta at the Avarua Criminal Court on Thursday last week for a charge of excess blood alcohol and careless driving.
JP wary of pressuring complainant
Tuesday 23 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
An assault on a female case was adjourned after the defence requested time for family mediation, sparking a debate about pressuring the complainant and cultural practices in domestic violence cases.
Tourist fined $220 for boozy resort rampage
Friday 5 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A 41-year-old visitor from New Zealand was ordered to pay a fine of $220 for his drunk and disorderly behaviour on a resort premises.
JP Whitta gives brawl accused stern warning for breaching bail conditions
Wednesday 3 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A man alleged to have been involved in a brawl at the Rehab nightclub in November 2023 has been given a stern warning for breaching bail conditions. Poutapu Maretu appeared before Justice of the Peace John Whitta on Thursday last week for two counts of contempt of court, having allegedly entered a liquor-licensed premises.
Woman charged for letting teen drive, crash power pole
Friday 29 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A woman who allowed a 14-year-old without a driver’s licence to drive a car and collide with a power pole over the Christmas weekend has been charged.
