Disqualified driver told to get a push bike

Simione Metekawas told to get a push bike when he appeared on a charge of driving while disqualified on Thursday. 

Justice of the Peace Georgina Williams reminded him the use of electric powered scooters, such as the ones favoured by government officials, were also not to be used by disqualified drivers.

“Get yourself a push bike, you can’t ride those scooters around either, anything motorised is prohibited.”

The court heard he was found guilty of drink-driving and disqualified from driving for 12 months in October.

On February 9, he was sighted driving by police and took a turn into a side street.

Police gave chase and apprehended him.

JP Williams said Metaka was close to being eligible for a part time driver licence.

“But if you carry on like that you won’t get it.”

He was convicted and fined $100 plus $50 court costs.

Man facing multiple charges understood to be in NZ custody   

A man facing possession of utensils, threatening, forgery and intend to defraud charges is understood to be in custody in New Zealand, police said in court.

Defence lawyer Mark Short sought leave to vacate the matter as Devonne Mitchell’s name was read out in court.

He faces one charge of possession of a utensil, two threatening charges, two forgery charges and two intent to defraud charges.

Short said he had had trouble getting hold of Mitchell.

Police said they needed to follow up his status in New Zealand as they understood he was in custody there.

They were not expecting him to return to the Cook Islands.

The matter was adjourned to August 10.

Careless driving causing injury charge added

John Paul Wilson was not present in court to answer to the charge but his lawyer Norman George spoke for him.

George said a number of charges had been adjourned to April 6 in court last week.

While they had been expecting a charge to be added, George said Wilson was not present in court.

George said he had consulted with police and it was a “technical glitch”.

“We have already entered a not guilty plea, we are going to a jury.”

The matter was adjourned to April 16 in the High Court.