Court
$398k cannabis trial begins
Monday 19 September 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Court, National
A trial for the alleged ‘captain’ of a cannabis drug operation started on Friday in the High Court at Avarua after multiple delays due to juror shortage.
Party hires NZ barrister for petition cases
Saturday 17 September 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Court, National, Politics
The Cook Islands United Party has bolstered their legal team in their challenge over the election results in the Pa Enua.
Breach leads to extension of community service sentence
Friday 16 September 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Court, National
A man has had his community service sentence extended by seven months after breaching his probationary conditions for the second time.
Multiple cases adjourned to High Court
Friday 16 September 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Court, National
It looks like October 27 will be a busy day in the High Court, after Thursday’s Criminal Court session had multiple cases adjourned to the High Court for that date.
CJ reserves petition decision
Thursday 15 September 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Court, National
The result of the Titikaveka seat may come down to Chief Justice Sir Hugh Williams’ interpretation of electoral law.
Juror shortage postpones trial
Wednesday 14 September 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Court, National
The trial of Phillip Walter Montgomery Strickland who is facing cannabis related charges has been adjourned to Friday due to the lack of a full jury.
Jury trial adjourned
Tuesday 13 September 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Court, National
A High Court jury trial had to be adjourned for a day because of the lack of people available for jury.
Kiwi to pay over $8k in reparations
Tuesday 13 September 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Court, National
A New Zealander who crashed into a motorcyclist, injuring them in the process has agreed to pay more than $8000 in reparations and court costs.
Bench warrant issued, sentencing adjourned
Thursday 8 September 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Court, National
Three matters that were called for sentencing yesterday have been adjourned after a defendant and a lawyer failed to turn up at Court.
18 months’ probation for $5k justice ministry theft
Monday 5 September 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Court, National
A young woman has been sentenced to 18 months’ probation and six months’ community service for stealing more than $5000 from the till during her time as a Ministry of Justice employee.
33 months jail for $240,000 Police theft
Friday 2 September 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Court, National
A former finance administrator of the Cook Islands Police service has been sentenced to 33 months’ (two years and nine months) imprisonment and ordered to pay $25,000 in reparations for an “unprecedented” defrauding of the police of $240,000 over a nearly four-year period.
CJ slams private prosecution in jet charter challenge
Friday 2 September 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Court, National
Citizens Against Corruption’s private prosecution against Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown and former Prime Minister Henry Puna has been slammed by Chief Justice Sir Hugh Williams QC.
‘Reflect upon your drinking’, judge tells defendant
Friday 2 September 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Court, National
A man who badly injured a fellow motorcyclist on Christmas Eve, 2021, has avoided a prison sentence.
Former BCI teller acquitted in missing $18k trial
Friday 2 September 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Court, National
A former bank teller from the Atiu branch of the Bank of the Cook Islands has been acquitted of charges that she had taken $18,000 from a community housing fund.
No jail for $34k USP theft
Friday 2 September 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Court, National
A young mother has been sentenced to six months’ community service and two years’ probation for stealing more than $34,000 from the University of the South Pacific’s campus account.
Jury in $18k trial deliberates late into the night
Thursday 1 September 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Court, National
A former bank teller from the Atiu branch of the Bank of the Cook Islands (BCI) charged with stealing more than $18,000 from a community house fund was last night awaiting the jury’s verdict.
Bank teller blames supervisor for missing $18k
Wednesday 31 August 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A former bank teller with the Bank of the Cook Islands in Atiu charged with taking more than $18,000 assigned to a community hall fund, has told the Court her supervisor was responsible.
Rape accused yet to enter plea
Tuesday 30 August 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Court, National
Teina Ngametuatoe appeared before Justice Christine Grice for a call over appearance in the High Court in Avarua yesterday.
Failed private prosecution earns CAC $277,046 legal bill
Tuesday 30 August 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Court, National
Citizens against Corruption has reportedly been slapped with a $277,046 bill after their failed private prosecution against Prime Minister Mark Brown and former Prime Minister Henry Puna last year.
Week of High Court hearings start today
Monday 29 August 2022 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Court, National
Justice Christine Grice will preside over a week of High Court hearings at Avarua, commencing today with a two-day jury trial.
