A man who pleaded not guilty to two counts of wilful damage and one count of assault on a female has asked to have his case heard by the High Court.

Iorama Ngataua appeared before Justice of the Peace John Whitta on Wednesday in the Criminal Court at Avarua for a defended hearing. Ngataua represented himself.

In a previous Court appearance Ngataua pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Police told JP Whitta that Ngataua wanted to have his case heard by a Judge instead of a Justice of the Peace.

Police said they thought Ngataua’s charges were serious enough to appear before a High Court Judge.

JP Whitta said: “To me I think he is entitled for the election for the wilful damage charges, I’m not sure about the assault on a female charge.”

The JP said he would ask the Chief Justice if the case could be referred to a judge. 

The matter is adjourned for November 24 and a decision on who will hear the case is expected to be made then.

Ngataua was previously also charged with joint burglary and wounding with intent to injure but had the charges dropped.