Court matters heard on January 2, 2023.

Junior Rimaati Iotua appeared on burglary and contempt of court charges in the Criminal Court on Thursday.

Defence lawyer Mark Short said he had only just been engaged on the matter and asked for adjournment so he could seek disclosure.

The court heard more charges were to be added.

Justice of the Peace Georgina Williams reminded the defendant of his bail conditions and adjourned the matter to February 16.

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Tangimetua Nooroa, charged with careless driving, was told the reparations would be a “substantial amount”.

The court heard he wanted to proceed with the matter and had not yet entered a plea.

Police said the reparation was “quite a substantial amount”, and asked that he be given some time.

JP Williams adjourned the matter for two weeks to give Nooroa time to find a lawyer.

Police would provide him with a quote for damages and then the matter would come back to court.

The matter was adjourned to February 16.

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Samuel Gordon Vaile entered a guilty plea to assault with intent.

Lawyer Mark Short said he had been instructed to enter a guilty plea and ask for a probation report.

Short said Vaile’s partner was in court and there had been a lot of work “behind the scenes”.

There had been discussions with Vaile’s father, Chris and lawyer Tim Arnold, Short said.

“The problem was he wasn’t taking his medication.”

JP Williams asked if Vaile was still on a community treatment order to which he answered “no”.

The matter was adjourned to February 28 for sentencing and a probation report was ordered.

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Elena Mataroa appeared on careless driving and excess blood alcohol charges.

Lawyer Mark Short said there had been a lot of work to reconcile the victim.

He asked for the matter to be adjourned and “hopefully we get reconciliation”.

JP Williams adjourned it to February 16.

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Aaron Etuete appeared on charges of assaulting a female and wilful damage.

Lawyer Norman George said there had been discussions with prosecution and the matter was likely to be withdrawn.

The matter was adjourned to February 16 with bail conditions to continue.

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A man facing careless driving causing injury and being considered for the diversion scheme was at the police station discussing the matter with police when his name was called in court on Thursday.

Amani John Tupeariki Ama was called to the stand but did not make an appearance.

Defence lawyer Mark Short said he understood police were looking at diversion.

Justice of the Peace Georgina Williams asked if the defendant was in court.

Police asked the matter to be adjourned for two weeks.

“Why is he not in court?” JP Williams asked.

“He should be here, call him or I will arrest him.”

The matter was adjourned.

When the matter was recalled later in the morning, Short told the court Ama had been at the police station discussing the matter with police.

JP Williams adjourned it to February 16.

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A warrant to arrest was issued for Anthony Tetuariki Tangatapoto for failing to pay a fine.

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Teautabo Ariu appeared on a charge of excess breath alcohol.

Defence lawyer Norman George said he had discussed the matter with prosecution and there were a number of issues to sort out.

He asked for an adjournment.

The matter was adjourned to April 6.

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A man convicted of stealing a $40 motorcycle helmet has been given a six month suspended sentence.

Tereanu William Teava appeared on theft and contempt of court charges.

Police said a complaint of theft was reported on November 30, 2022.

The defendant had asked the victim for money.

When the victim refused to hand over money, the defendant took a motorcycle helmet from the residence.

The defendant admitted the facts to police.

On December 30 he failed to report to police as part of his conditions.

Police said it was not his first appearance before the courts and it was a very minor matter due to the value of the helmet.

“If you stay out of trouble for six months, nothing will happen,” JP Williams told him.

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Anau Noo Mataora Ite Medebara Teatuanui entered not guilty pleas to wilful damage and threatening to kill.

Lawyer Norman George asked for a jury trial and sought an adjournment.

The matter was adjourned to February 24 for a call over.