Court
Jonassen justifies Justice closure
Wednesday 4 January 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Court, Crime, National
The Cook Islands Justice Secretary has justified the closure of the Justice Department until January 16 following concerns some returning Cook Islanders are not being able to access the Ministry for land issues, payments, and other matters.
Drink-driving women warned it’s jail next
Saturday 31 December 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National
Two women convicted of drink driving have been told they could face jail time if they appear before the courts again.
Politician’s son facing multiple assault charges granted name suppression
Friday 30 December 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National
The son of a high profile Cook Islands politician has been given name suppression, along with three others who all face multiple assault charges.
Four charged following bar brawl
Thursday 29 December 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National
Four people have been arrested and charged with a range of offences relating to a brawl at the Hula Bar on Rarotonga earlier this month.
Annandale now a barrister
Wednesday 28 December 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
Recently appointed Deputy Solicitor General Lauaki Jason Annandale, now acting in the top job, has been admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court, taking an oath in a ceremony on Rarotonga.
Court cases shift to February
Wednesday 28 December 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Court, Crime, National
It seems numerous Court matters will be deferred until February next year.
Suspended sentence for partner assault
Saturday 24 December 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Court, Crime, National
A New Zealander who assaulted his then-partner, and burned her with a cigarette, has received a three-year suspended sentence.
Man avoids jail, but must leave country
Saturday 24 December 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National
A man who breached his probation orders on multiple occasions has avoided jail, but has to be out of the Cook Islands by Wednesday next week.
Child slapped, thrown to the ground in ‘serious’ assault
Thursday 22 December 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National
A father of 10, with another one on the way, has narrowly avoided jail after assaulting his five-year-old son.
Woman fails to front on drink-drive and assault charges
Thursday 22 December 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National
A woman facing multiple charges including assault and using profane, indecent and obscene language in public, failed to turn up for sentencing at the court in Avarua on Wednesday.
Year’s probation for violent assault
Wednesday 21 December 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Court, Crime, National
A young man who violently assaulted his then-partner has received a sentence of 12 months’ probation.
Drink-driving defence fails to gain traction in court
Wednesday 21 December 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Court, Crime, National
A trial of a man accused of reckless driving and driving with excess blood alcohol will likely go ahead, after the defence lost its claim there was no case to answer.
Court briefs 16.12.22
Monday 19 December 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National
Lawyer no-show delays drink drive case outcome A man facing charges of reckless and drink driving will have to wait for the outcome of a reserved decision as his lawyer did not appear in court on Friday. Tei John Harawira appeared in the Criminal Court at Avarua where Justice of the Peace John Whitta adjourned […]
Justice Keane appointed Cook Islands’ new Chief Justice
Monday 19 December 2022 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Court, National
Ministry of Justice has appointed a new head of Cook Islands judiciary to replace the retiring Chief Justice Sir Hugh Williams KNZM, KC.
Arrest process slammed: ‘Police did not conduct themselves according to law’
Friday 16 December 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National
Police conduct has been slammed by a Justice of the Peace in dismissing drink and careless driving charges in court yesterday.
Cooks courts clogged with unpaid fines
Thursday 15 December 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National
Cook Islands courtrooms are continuing to be clogged with climbing numbers of people who haven’t paid their fines.
‘Mastermind’ of cannabis operation gets jail time
Tuesday 13 December 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Court, Crime, National
The alleged mastermind behind a major cannabis operation in the Cook Islands has been sentenced to six years and two months imprisonment.
Retiring Chief Justice on his time here, suggestions for law reform
Saturday 10 December 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Features, Local, National
Retiring Chief Justice Sir Hugh Williams KNZM, KC has spoken with Cook Islands News and shares some insight into our judiciary.
Historic assault case thrown out after five years
Saturday 10 December 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National
An assault case stretching back five years has been thrown out of court following lengthy correspondence between the defence and the victim.
JP: ‘This matter has become really, really messy’
Saturday 10 December 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National
A Justice of the Peace has expressed frustration as a case stretching back close to two years is dragging on.
