Guilty plea

A man has admitted his guilt in assaulting a female.

Johnny Faamelea Cyrus Hoeflich appeared in the Criminal Court on Thursday where the court heard he assaulted a female at Black Rock on March 4.

His lawyer asked for the matter to be adjourned for three weeks so probation could prepare a report.

The matter was adjourned to May 10 and a probation report was ordered.

Jury trial

Chad Thomas Hickes elected to go to a jury trial on a charge of careless driving causing injury.

His lawyer Norman George asked that the matter be adjourned to May.

Justice of the Peace Tangi Taoro said the matter would be dealt with by a Judge and adjourned it for a call over date to be decided by the court registrar.

Guilty plea 

Ngatupuna Teinakitama entered a guilty plea to burglary of the Rarotonga Backpackers late last year.

The court heard he broke into the backpackers on December 17.

Police said the matter needed to be heard by a panel of three Justices of the Peace.

His lawyer Michelle Tangimama asked for a probation report and a copy of his criminal history.

The matter was adjourned to May 24.

Careless driving

Tangimetua Nooroa was due to be sentenced on a charge of careless driving but his lawyer asked for more time as they were exploring reparation options. 

Lawyer Michelle Tangimama said the figure was around $4000 and there were some issues with payment.

She requested a probation report and the matter was adjourned to May 23.

$8k quote

A defence lawyer has questioned the legitimacy of an $8000 quote for damages given to her client who is facing a charge of careless driving.

Varanisese Matai Sorby appeared in the Criminal Court charged with careless driving and excess breath alcohol.

Lawyer Lavi Rokoika said the claimant was asking for about $8000 which was being negotiated with the owner of the property.

She sought an adjournment, in seeking another quote.

“We will be able to plead guilty to EBA but because the amount that is being claimed, we could transfer to the Civil Court; it’s $8000, it’s a bit too much.

“I know the plants I get from the Ministry of Agriculture are $10, not $8000.”

She said the question centred around damage to a hedge and the monetary amount.

The police prosecutor then said the quote was from the Ministry of Agriculture.

The matter was adjourned to June 1.