Court
Shrinking jury pool puts trial system under strain
Saturday 16 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
There is scepticism among legal eagles about jury trials in the Cook Islands following the release of a judgement in an aborted case.
Woman pleads guilty to child assault in Court
Saturday 16 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A woman has pleaded guilty to assaulting a child.
Former bank employee admits to stealing $125,000
Friday 15 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A woman has admitted to stealing $125,000 over a five-year period from Bank South Pacific (BSP) on Rarotonga – entering guilty pleas to eight charges of theft as a servant.
Jury reaches verdict in Aitutaki cannabis case
Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A jury of nine women and two men have found an Aitutaki man guilty of supplying cannabis following a two-day trial on Rarotonga.
Defendant denies supplying cannabis,
Friday 8 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A jury of nine women and two men will decide if an Aitutaki man is guilty of supplying cannabis following a two-day trial on Rarotonga.
Aitutaki drug trial delayed over witness incrimination
Thursday 7 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
The jury trial of an Aitutaki man facing a supply of cannabis charge has been hampered by multiple delays on its first day, including a call by the Judge to adjourn on the grounds of a witness incriminating themselves.
Aitutaki drug trial hinges on cryptic messages, expert analysis
Wednesday 6 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National, Outer Islands
Text messages, drug analysis, and expert testimony are the Crown’s mainstays in its case against an alleged Aitutaki drug dealer, Gray Ronald Pitomaki Turia.
Jury trial thrown out following two days of delays
Tuesday 5 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
The jury trial of a man facing charges of threatening to kill and threatening to cause grievous bodily harm has been thrown out following two days of hold ups.
Drink driver fell asleep, crashed into power pole
Friday 1 December 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Court, National
An 18-year-old motorist was nearly three times the legal alcohol limit when he fell asleep behind the wheel and collided with a power pole in Rarotonga.
Drink driver over five times legal alcohol limit fined $800, disqualified
Wednesday 29 November 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Court, National
A 34-year-old woman who collided with a fellow motorcyclist while trying to overtake a car was more than five times the legal alcohol limit.
Disqualified driver considers Australia return to continue supporting family
Tuesday 28 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A convicted drink driver is considering leaving the Cook Islands because losing his driver’s licence for 12 months renders him unable to work to support his grandparents.
Curfew imposed on woman for violating probation terms
Monday 27 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A woman who has been repeatedly warned she will go to jail, has been now given a curfew, as authorities struggle to keep track of her whereabouts.
Teen spared conviction for careless driving fined for cannabis offences
Monday 27 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A teen motorist who had an epileptic fit, leading to a crash, has escaped a conviction for careless driving, but picked up convictions for possessing a bong and cannabis.
Man fined for parole breaches
Saturday 25 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A 20-year-old man has been fined $80 for breaching his parole conditions by entering a licensed premises and consuming alcohol.
‘Careless driver’ retains licence, picks up $3395 in fines and costs
Saturday 25 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A man charged with careless driving causing injury has avoided losing his driver licence, but has been landed with more than $3000 in fines and reparation costs.
Date set for ‘final submissions’ in high profile trial
Friday 24 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
The ongoing dishonesty charges faced by recently reinstated 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 will again be heard in court.
Nightclub brawl accused told to remain in the Cook Islands
Friday 24 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
One of eight visitors from Australia allegedly involved in a brawl at a Rarotonga nightclub has been told to remain in the Cook Islands.
Nightclub brawler fined $2250
Friday 24 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
One of 11 men involved in a brawl on Rarotonga has been convicted and fined more than $2000 for his part in the incident.
Guilty pleas entered by visitors following nightclub brawl
Wednesday 22 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
Seven men involved in a brawl on Rarotonga have faced another day in court, with some changing their pleas in an effort to get home to Australia.
Rarotonga man found guilty of assaulting sister, pregnant niece
Tuesday 21 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A man who kicked his niece in the stomach and consequently threatening the life of her unborn child has been found guilty of multiple assault charges on two women.