Crime
Man charged with arson tries to enter guilty and not guilty pleas
Friday 20 August 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Crime, National
A man charged with arson for a 2019 incident made a confusing plea after his lawyer decided to cease representing him in court.
Lawyer and former politician convicted of indecent assault evades prison
Thursday 19 August 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Crime, National
Prominent lawyer Wilkie Rasmussen escaped an 18-month prison sentence suggested by Crown law and was handed a $7000 fine yesterday, following his earlier conviction for indecent assault.
Two arrested, injured in drink driving incidents
Tuesday 17 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Crime, National
Two motorists sustained injuries following a crash in which one of them was found to have been drink driving. A police spokesman said just prior to midnight on Sunday, the incident was reported at Arorangi, involving two motorcycles.
15 months’ probation for burglary
Saturday 14 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Crime, National
A man who spent ten months in custody before being acquitted of two indecent assault charges against a 15-year-old girl and entering with intent last week – has been convicted and sentenced to 12 months of probation on a joint burglary charge.
Accused told to swallow chewing gum in court
Friday 13 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Crime, National
Court briefs for the week of August 13, 2021
Probation officer advises Justice of the Peace in sentencing of thief
Thursday 12 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Crime, National
A Justice of the Peace made last minute changes in sentencing a thief after a probation officer offered her some advice in the Criminal Court at Avarua on Wednesday.
Assault and drink driving cases heard in court
Wednesday 11 August 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Crime, National
Court briefs for the week of August 9, 2021
Former staff receives probation sentence for stealing from police
Tuesday 10 August 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Crime, National
A former Cook Islands Police employee who stole more than $5000 has been sentenced to 18 months probation and six months community service.
Man gets 15 months prison for stabbing
Monday 9 August 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Crime, National
A young man has been sentenced to 15 months in jail for stabbing a person with a kitchen knife in a drunken brawl.
Man gets probation for growing cannabis
Saturday 7 August 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Crime, National
A Rarotonga man who has used cannabis for the past 10 years to treat pain relief was sentenced to 12 months probation for cultivating the illicit substance.
Jury finds man ‘not guilty’ of indecent assault
Friday 6 August 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Crime, National
After a two-day trial in the Cook Islands High Court at Avarua, Ngatupuna Teinakitama was found not guilty of entering into a Muri home and indecently assaulting an underage resident.
‘Fraudulent’ healer sentenced to two years, nine months in prison
Friday 6 August 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Crime, National
A traditional Maori healer has been sentenced to two years and nine months jail for indecently assaulting a woman who called on him for his expertise.
Court briefs July 29
Thursday 5 August 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Crime, National
Court briefs from July 29 session.
Court Briefs
Saturday 31 July 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Crime, National
Court briefs from July 22
Nine months disqualification for careless driving causing injury
Saturday 31 July 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Crime, National
In Avarua’s High Court on July 20, Odette Stanke was disqualified for driving for nine months and will be on probation for a year for careless driving causing injury.
Drink driving lands Kiwi couple in jail
Friday 30 July 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Crime, National
A drink driving Kiwi couple landed in jail for a night and are at least $800 out of pocket following an incident in Rarotonga on Wednesday.
Traditional therapy or indecent assault
Thursday 29 July 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Crime, National
After a three-day trial in the High Court in Avarua, an 11-person jury will decide whether a traditional Maori healer indecently assaulted an alleged female victim or was just performing a consensual medical practice. Caleb Fotheringham reports.
Court briefs
Friday 23 July 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Crime, National
July 22
Old assault charge brought back
Friday 23 July 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Crime, National
Teariki Araipu, who was earlier found guilty of assaulting a female, was sentenced to six months in prison to be served alongside the 18-month sentence he is currently serving.
Assailants avoid prison sentence, gets warned
Wednesday 21 July 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Crime, National
Two people convicted of assault have been given stern words in the Criminal Court at Avarua.