Court
Justice of the Peace and lawyer wrangle over drink driving charge
Thursday 6 April 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
Justice of the Peace John Whitta and defence lawyer Norman George got into a haggle over an excess breath alcohol charge which ended in the matter being adjourned for clarification.
DPM hires Norman George to fight corruption charges
Thursday 6 April 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
Deputy Prime Minister Robert Tapaitau has sacked his New Zealand lawyers in favour of Norman George as the pair prepare to face a jury in June.
Short, sharp sentence for reckless driver
Wednesday 5 April 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Court, National
A man facing multiple counts of refusing a blood or breath-alcohol test has been given a “short, sharp” sentence of one month in jail.
Careless driving results in hefty reparations bill
Friday 31 March 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Court, National
A man who pleaded guilty to careless driving could face a reparations bill of about $18,000.
Suspended sentence for slap
Friday 31 March 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Court, National
A man who slapped an acquaintance for tying his pigs to a neighbouring tree has received a six-month suspended sentence.
Vandal claims his drinks were spiked
Wednesday 29 March 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Court, National
A man given a suspended sentence for damaging the entrance of the Bank of the Cook Islands in a drunken state claims his drinks were spiked.
Man who defended himself in High Court found guilty
Wednesday 29 March 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Court, National
A man who defended himself against multiple violence convictions has been found guilty on all counts.
Tunupopo gets 18 months’ probation
Saturday 25 March 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A man who was found guilty by a jury trial for injuring by an unlawful act was sentenced to 18 months’ probation with the first three months to be served for community service.
Kiwi visitor ordered to pay substantial fine
Saturday 25 March 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A New Zealand tourist convicted of excess breath alcohol and careless driving causing injury has been ordered to pay a substantial fine before leaving the country.
Court briefs
Friday 24 March 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
March 24, 2023
Man facing assault and violence charges represent himself
Thursday 23 March 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Court, National
A man with multiple assault and violence charges is representing himself in Court.
Court briefs 17.03.2023
Saturday 18 March 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Court, Crime, National
A man who was found driving nearly six times over the legal breath alcohol limit will be sentenced by three Justices of the Peace. Ngatokoa Terepo appeared before Justice of the Peace Tangi Taoro at the Criminal Court on Avarua on Thursday. He pleaded guilty to charges of driving with excess breath alcohol. Terepo was […]
Judge slams Cook Islands criminal justice system
Saturday 18 March 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National
The Cook Islands criminal justice system has been slammed by Justice Christopher Toogood in convicting and discharging a man following a lengthy period of frustration.
Man guilty of injuring gets bail following night in custody
Friday 17 March 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National
A man has been bailed after spending a night in custody following a three-day jury trial in which he was found not guilty of injuring a woman with intent but guilty of injuring her by an unlawful act.
Cook Islands Football Association leadership dispute lands in court
Friday 17 March 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Court, Football, National, Sports
The Cook Islands Football Association (CIFA) leadership dispute has landed in Court, with ‘dismissed’ president Tiraa Arere filing for an immediate interim order to restore him to the top role.
Woman faces arson charge in connection to house fire
Friday 17 March 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Court, Crime, National
A 39-year-old woman has appeared in Court charged with arson in connection to a house fire in Arorangi on Sunday night.
‘Your abuse has stolen her life’ Man, 50, sentenced to eight years in prison for rape
Friday 17 March 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National, Outer Islands
(WARNING: This story contains graphic descriptions of the offences committed by the defendant). A Mangaia man who only stopped raping his teenage victim after she gave birth to their son has been sentenced to eight years in prison.
Man guilty of injuring and remanded in custody following three-day jury trial
Thursday 16 March 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National
A man has been remanded in custody following a three-day jury trial in which he was found not guilty of injuring a woman with intent but guilty of injuring her by an unlawful act.
Jury trial for man charged with intent to injure starts
Tuesday 14 March 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National
A jury has heard the opening statements in a case against a man accused of assaulting a woman.
Court briefs 13.03.23
Tuesday 14 March 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National
Ponipate Draunimasi Naisulu entered a guilty plea to excess breath alcohol in the Criminal Court on Thursday last week. The court heard Naisulu drove on March 4 and recorded an alcohol breath reading of 690 micrograms per litre of breath. Justice of the Peace John Whitta advised Naisulu legal advice was available. Naisulu was fined […]