A motorcyclist who suffered life-threatening injuries in a crash has pleaded guilty to driving with excess blood alcohol.

Akepiurangi Patia-Gempton appeared in Court and pleaded guilty to a charge of driving with excess blood alcohol.

Her father, who read a submission to Court, said the incident which occurred on June 25, 2022, was the fault of both drivers.

Patia-Gempton was turning into a corner near Arorangi when she crashed into another vehicle.

She was blood-tested for alcohol and drew a reading of 132mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath, the limit is 50mcg.

Her father said Patia-Gempton suffered “life-threatening” injuries from the crash, while her bike was a “write-off”.

Her medical bills were over $1000, he said.

“She’s suffered enough, we are asking the Court to show her leniency,” he said.

The driver of the other vehicle is also facing charges of careless driving.

Justice of the Peace John Whitta noted Patia-Gempton was remorseful and that it was her first appearance in Court.

He fined her $250 and disqualified her from driving for 12 months.

Most other matters in the Court were adjourned.

Other matters included:

Ngatamaine Wireless Pupuke appeared before Justice of the Peace John Whitta, and entered no plea to four charges of theft as a servant. Police prosecution noted there were likely further charges pending.

The matter was adjourned to November 10.

Rauhina Julie Tipuna appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to charges of careless driving and driving with excess blood alcohol. Her matter was adjourned to November 15 for a defended-hearing. She was remanded at large, and granted permission to fly to New Zealand, provided she came back to the Cook Islands for her trial.

Lucas Kamana, who faces charges of being unlawfully found at a property, had his matter adjourned to October 27. He is yet to enter a plea.

Ngatokoitu Uri and Rurutoa Maoate appeared jointly before JP Whitta. Uri is facing charges of common assault, and Maoate faces charges of assault on a female and assault with intent to injure. Their matter has been adjourned to October 27, where they are expected to make a plea. 

Princess Heleina Raukete, who faces a charge of driving with excess breath alcohol, had her matter adjourned without plea until October 27.

Joshua Nga Utanga, who faces an assault on a female charge, failed to turn up to Court on Thursday.

JP Whitta said Utanga’s excuse, which was that he was busy with work, was not good enough.

“He needs to be in Court, and he needs to make a plea,” JP Whitta said.

The matter was adjourned to October 27.

Kevin John David Chaloner entered no plea to a charge of breaching a protection order.

“We’ve shown a lot of leeway for Mr Chaloner,” JP Whitta said.

He is to appear in Court on October 13.

Tupehoro Pokipoki, who faces eight charges of theft as a servant, will also appear in Court on October 13 to enter a plea.

Doras Tearuru Williams, who faces a charge of wounding with intent to injure, has had her matter adjourned to November 10.  She was remanded on bail on the conditions that she was not to leave the Cook Islands, that she must surrender her passport and continue to reside at her current address.

Tihau Bakoauea appeared before the Court facing charges of driving with excess breath alcohol, found drunk in a public place, and using profane indecent language in a public place. She was remanded at large and had her matter adjourned to October 27.

Jacqueline Kui Sang Parker appeared in Court, and pleaded guilty to a charge of driving with excess breath alcohol and careless driving causing injury. A sentencing date is pending a probation report.

Michael Hoff pleaded guilty to a charge of possession of cannabis. His sentencing date is also pending a probation report. He has been remanded on bail.

Michael Brown, who faces charges of careless driving and refusing a breath test, has had his case adjourned to November 10. He is remanded on bail, which includes the condition that he is not to purchase alcohol.