Drink driver A charge of careless driving was dropped against Salote Seneirewa but she was convicted of excess breath alcohol.

Lawyer Lavi Rokoika said she had been in discussions with police and sought to have the careless driving charge withdrawn.

On November 5, 2022 about 2am, Seneirewa entered the roundabout at Avatiu in a car and crashed.

She admitted to drinking six bottles of beer and blew 840 micrograms per litre of breath.

Rokoika said, in mitigation, her client had no previous convictions.

Justice of the Peace Tangi Taoro said the aggravating factor was the high alcohol reading.

Seneirewa was convicted and fined $234, disqualified from driving for 12 months and ordered to pay court costs of $50.

Assault charge

Tereanu William Teava was released from custody into the care of his grandfather when he appeared on a charge of common assault.

The court was presented a letter from his grandfather who had said he would care for Teava.

His mother was in court.

Police did not oppose bail but asked that Teava report to mental health services once a week, not consume alcohol or enter licenced premises.

He was also told to stay away from a Tupapa store where the assault allegedly occurred.

Justice of the Peace Tangi Taoro adjourned the matter to May 11 and told Teava to report to mental health services as directed, not to purchase or consume alcohol, and not to enter licenced premises.   

No plea

A man facing two charges of assaulting a female has entered no plea as he seeks a course of counselling.

The court on Thursday heard Petero Naivalu would be starting counselling sessions which would continue for six weeks.

The matter was adjourned to June 1.