Crime

Trio in court on theft charges

Thursday 5 February 2015 | Published in Crime

Joseph Wichman, Areariki Cowan and Dawn Ngaeruaiti all faced charges of theft when they appeared in the High Court before Justice of the Peace Carmen Temata last week. Wichman pleaded guilty and police sought a three-week adjournment of his case. However due to the seriousness of the charge and the need for a three -JP sentencing, Wichman’s sentencing hearing was scheduled for June 2, when a probation report will be provided. Defence counsel Mark Short asked police to provide disclosure documents for his client Cowan, and an adjournment was granted to February 5. Police withdrew the charge against Ngaeruaiti on the basis that the matter had since been dealt with by the property owner and defendant. George Keu Fred Maoate appeared on charges of theft by finding. Defence counsel Norman George withdrew his services in the case, handed all disclosures to Maoate and urged the police and court to assist Maoate in seeking new counsel. Police prosecutor Fairoa Tararo submitted a new charge of burglary and sought a two-week adjournment to clarify whether the new charge was to substitute the old charge, or if the two charges would be separate. Adjournment was approved to February 12, with bail conditions to continue. Kyle Tamariki failed to appear on a charge of being unlawfully found on premises. Police prosecutor Tararo said he had no objections regarding Tamariki’s absence as police had withdrawn all charges due to insufficient evidence. Douglas Tau entered two pleas of not guilty to not being licensed or prohibited to have a Class C drug plant and possession of a utensil for smoking a class C Drug. However, Tau, who will appear before a judge and jury on July 23, pleaded guilty to a charge of being in possession of a Class C drug. Defence counsel Norman George sought approval from the court to adjourn the charge indefinitely, or until there had been an outcome from the other two charges. Police agreed with the request but continued to seek judgment regarding a fourth charge of contempt of court. George swiftly entered a plea of guilty on behalf of his client, followed by a further plea to the court for a withdrawal of the charge, on the grounds that his client had been so focused on his work he had simply lost track of the time. JP Temata withdrew the contempt of court charge with a strong warning to Tou not to offend again. The drug charges will be heard at a defended hearing in the High Court on July 23, before Justice Doherty. Teremoana Saddler pleaded guilty to a new charge of contempt of court after police withdrew five previous charges. A sentencing date was set for March 4, with all other pending charges to be heard and rescheduled on the same day. Saddler was remanded in custody.

Crime

Police warning follows assault on tourist

Thursday 5 February 2015 | Published in Crime

Local police are issuing a strong warning that there is no place for violence in the Cook Islands.

Crime

Assault charge brings 12 months' probation

Tuesday 3 February 2015 | Published in Crime

The High Court on January 29 was presided over by Justice of the Peace Carmen Temata, who made the following judgments:

Crime

Last drive before licence loss

Wednesday 28 January 2015 | Published in Crime

Manatu Taumaa was convicted and fined $500 plus $30 court costs and was disqualified from driving for 12 months when he appeared the High Court last Thursday charged with driving with excess breath alcohol.

Crime

Injured tourist still struggles to hear

Wednesday 28 January 2015 | Published in Crime

The 36 year old British tourist injured in a vicious and unprovoked attack at an Avarua nightclub last Friday night still cannot hear properly, days after the incident.

Crime

Assault charge dropped

Wednesday 21 January 2015 | Published in Crime

Police officer Manuia Pareina had a charge of common assault dropped when he appeared in the High Court before Justice of the Peace John Kenning last Thursday.

Crime

Drink drivers fined, disqualified

Wednesday 21 January 2015 | Published in Crime

Six drivers appeared in the High Court last week on charges of driving with excess breath alcohol. The court was presided over by Justice of the Peace John Kenning.

Crime

Police action 'over-zealous'

Tuesday 20 January 2015 | Published in Crime

The High Court on January 15 was presided over by Justice of the Peace John Kenning, who made the following judgments:

Crime

Police centre to operate 24 hours

Monday 19 January 2015 | Published in Crime

The Cook Islands Police operations command centre is being expanded to work around the clock.

Crime

Police want information about two burglary cases

Tuesday 13 January 2015 | Published in Crime

Police are seeking information from the public in relation to two separate burglary cases now under investigation.

Crime

Domestic fights stretch police resources

Monday 12 January 2015 | Published in Crime

Cook Islands Police Service’s support team was stretched at the weekend with a spike in domestic violence.

Crime

If there's a problem, please call the police

Friday 9 January 2015 | Published in Crime

Don’t be afraid to report any problems– big or small, to the police.

Crime

Police, politicians should solve 'out of control' burglary issue

Wednesday 31 December 2014 | Published in Crime

Police and politicians need to sit down and solve the out of control burglary and theft on Rarotonga, says a local businessman who is fed up with being a victim of burglaries.

Crime

Burglaries are 'out of control'

Wednesday 31 December 2014 | Published in Crime

Information from community members has led to the arrest of a 23-year old man suspected of committing a raft of burglaries in Avarua.

Crime

Burglaries prompt security warning

Tuesday 30 December 2014 | Published in Crime

Residents, visitors and business owners are being urged to lock up their valuables before leaving their homes or businesses following a spate of

Crime

Assault case stirs debate anger

Friday 19 December 2014 | Published in Crime

There was an outpouring of emotion and anger during Tuesday’s ‘karangaranga’ radio show which centred on the disturbing sexual assault of an elderly mama in her home in Titikaveka on December 6.

Crime

Police seek more leads on assault

Tuesday 16 December 2014 | Published in Crime

Items collected from the home of a Takitumu mama in her early 80s who was sexually assaulted on December 6 have been sent overseas for forensic analysis as local police continue to investigate the case.

Crime