Crime
George's lawyer never got paid
Thursday 6 September 2012 | Published in Crime
The hundreds of thousands of dollars awarded to MP Norman George after his Operation Slush acquittal went straight back into government coffers as part-repayment for him failing to furnish tax returns. After the longest running criminal trial in Cook Islands history finished, defendants Charles Koronui, Chris Vaile and George received a payout of $231,432 from […]
Man not to inhale solvents
Thursday 6 September 2012 | Published in Crime
The High Court on August 30 was presided over by Justice of the Peace Carmen Temata, who passed the following sentences: Alberta Tutakiao – was charged with the burglary of Anchor’s Rest holiday house in Betela, Arorangi. Counsel Wilkie Rasmussen applied for the defendant’s bail, since he has been in custody for the last two […]
Allegedly tortured man invokes CJ's power
Thursday 6 September 2012 | Published in Crime
The Penrhyn fisherman who alleges torture by police, prison and probation services had to write to the chief justice before his case came before the courts for consideration. In May this year, Arumia Robert Samatua issued a detailed statement of claim against the attorney-general, with the basis for a claim to substantial damages said to […]
Pukapuka shooter back in court
Thursday 6 September 2012 | Published in Crime
A former street kid trying to turn his life around is again on the wrong side of the law. It was only the favourable character references given by people of high standing in the community that saved him from prison, said Chief Justice Tom Weston in sentencing him on drugs offences. Iorama Ngataua has appeared […]
Jury trial aborted
Tuesday 4 September 2012 | Published in Crime
The jury trial of the woman accused of stealing pearls from her employer started yesterday morning – and was aborted by the afternoon. Tipora Maihia is accused of stealing 47 pearl pendants to the value of $5000 between November 1, 2010, and March 12, 2011, from her employer Farm Direct Pearls to sell at her […]
CJ sceptical of man turning over new leaf
Tuesday 4 September 2012 | Published in Crime
A man who committed five out of six burglaries while on bail was sentenced on Friday to three years in prison. In sentencing Ngatapuna Rata for 14 offences, including assaulting a female, Chief Justice Tom Weston noticed the man had a “very significant” criminal record. He has previously spent time in prison for burglary. In […]
Man jailed for assaulting female
Saturday 1 September 2012 | Published in Crime
A Fijian man living in Rarotonga has been sent to prison by the chief justice for committing 10 offences, including assaulting a female. Sakaraia Sucuigau pleaded guilty to assaulting a female, threatening to kill, escaping from police custody, two thefts, two traffic offences including excess breath alcohol, and three contempt of court charges. The most […]
CJ Weston robbed
Saturday 1 September 2012 | Published in Crime
Chief Justice Tom Weston is usually the one sentencing criminals for burglary – now he is at the receiving end. His accommodation at Sokala Villas in Muri was burgled at 5.45 yesterday morning, in the short time it took him to go outside and get the newspaper. A cellphone and wallet was taken, although the […]
MP sentenced for tax evasion
Saturday 1 September 2012 | Published in Crime
The name suppression order against a prominent politician and lawyer convicted on tax evasion charges has been lifted. Norman George pleaded guilty in the High Court yesterday to 12 charges against him and his company Norman George and Associates. The Teenui-Mapumai (Atiu) MP was fined $21,800 on eight charges against his company for failure to […]
Sentence suspended after assaulting partner
Tuesday 28 August 2012 | Published in Crime
The High Court on August 23 was presided over by justice of the peace Carmen Temata, who passed the following judgments: Richard Hoepper – pleaded guilty to assaulting a female. The assault happened during an argument between the defendant and his victim, who are in a de-facto relationship and have six children. The police prosecutor […]
Guard your reputation, says chief justice
Tuesday 28 August 2012 | Published in Crime
Two new lawyers have been admitted to the Cook Islands High Court. Chief Justice Tom Weston admitted lawyers Jacqueline Wi-Kaitaia and Angela Pope to the bar in a swearing-in ceremony on Monday morning. Before welcoming the lawyers to the bar, the chief justice told them it was important to guard their reputation in coming years. […]
Role of JPs discussed
Monday 27 August 2012 | Published in Crime
The Cook Islands’ chief justice has released a discussion paper to help improve access to justice in the Cook Islands. Chief Justice Tom Weston recently wrote the paper to review the role of justices of the peace (JPs), who oversee the day-to-day running of the Cook Islands High Court. While high-level court cases are heard […]
CJ back on the bench
Monday 27 August 2012 | Published in Crime
The Cook Islands chief justice is in the country for a two week court sitting starting Monday. Chief Justice Tom Weston arrived in Rarotonga on Thursday afternoon, and will start his High Court fixtures on Monday morning with the swearing-in of two new Cook Islands lawyers. They are Jacqueline Wi-Kaitaia and Angela Pope. A number […]
3 JPs deal with criminal sentences
Thursday 23 August 2012 | Published in Crime
The High Court yesterday was presided over by justices of the peace Tangi Taoro, Tauei Solomon and Mataira Ake, who passed the following judgments: Ngatapuna Rata – faces 13 charges, including burglary. Counsel Norman George asked for a probation report by Monday, and the case was adjourned until August 29 for sentencing by the chief […]
Man described as a 'monster'
Thursday 23 August 2012 | Published in Crime
High Court on August 16 was presided over by justice of the peace Tupe Short, who passed the following judgments: Teinakore Tanga – Pleaded guilty to assaulting a female. On June 23 police were called to a house in Arorangi after the defendant threw a hammer at the victim, his mother. The victim dodged the […]
Ministry of Justice rebranded
Tuesday 14 August 2012 | Published in Crime
The Ministry of Justice has been renamed. Yesterday Prime Minister Henry Puna and Justice Minister Teariki Heather approved the use of a Cook Islands Maori name for the Ministry of Justice. The new name is Te Tango Tutara o te Ture. According to Puna the name ”conveys accurately the responsibilities of the Ministry as well […]
Man charged after smash
Tuesday 14 August 2012 | Published in Crime
A man has been charged with drink driving after crashing his car on the Nikao back road on Sunday afternoon. The man, in his late twenties, crashed his black Commodore pick-up truck into a power pole opposite Manea Foods at the back of the airport. Neither he nor his passenger were hurt. Police have charged […]
Manuel found fit to charges
Monday 13 August 2012 | Published in Crime
Justice of the Peace John Kenning presided over the High Court on Thursday and the following judgements were passed: Japhet Manuel – When the defendant appeared in court last week defence counsel Lavenia Rokoika asked for another medical assessment to be carried out to find whether Manuel was mentally fit to plead. Dr Fariu found […]
Bail breached for Te Maeva Nui
Wednesday 8 August 2012 | Published in Crime
The High Court on August 2 was presided over by Justice of the Peace Tauei Solomon, who passed the following judgments:
Free counselling course this week
Wednesday 8 August 2012 | Published in Crime
An opportunity for people in the community to build rapport skills and develop listening and questioning skills are two components to a free counselling training being offered by Punanga Tauturu Inc.
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