Court
Court briefs
Saturday 7 September 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A man facing charges of careless driving and excess blood alcohol has been advised to seek a lawyer due to the substantial reparation he faces.
Inmate brekky probe
Saturday 7 September 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A high-profile inmate, sentenced to 18 months imprisonment earlier this year, was allegedly spotted having breakfast at a popular Arorangi eatery, triggering an internal investigation.
Woman convicted of excess alcohol
Wednesday 4 September 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A woman, who was involved in a crash in March this year, was convicted and ordered to pay a fine of $234 for a charge of excess blood alcohol.
Suspended sentences for driver involved in two accidents
Monday 2 September 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
At the Criminal Court last week, Inosi Vulava was handed 12 months of concurrent suspended sentences for the two charges of careless driving.
Accused rapist admits to 47 charges, suppression lifted
Saturday 31 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
Interim name suppression on a man who was charged with allegations of rape, indecent assault and inducing an indecent act on minors has been lifted.
Theft matter adjourned to October 25
Saturday 31 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
The theft matter against Sina Daniel was adjourned to October 25 at the High Court call over before Chief Justice Patrick Keane on Friday.
Two-year case concludes in guilty verdict
Tuesday 27 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
After more than two years, the excess breath alcohol case against Steven Kavana concluded with Justice of the Peace John Whitta finding him guilty and imposing a 12-month mandatory disqualification from driving.
Court briefs
Saturday 24 August 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Court, National
Justice of the Peace Vania Kenning presided over a number of matters at the Criminal Court in Avarua on Thursday.
Avarua burglary duo remanded, potential for additional charges
Friday 23 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
The two men alleged to have been accomplices in the recent break-ins reported around Avarua have been remanded in custody and are likely to face more charges.
Man hit with hefty fines for drink driving and assault
Thursday 22 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
A 33-year-old man has been sentenced and ordered to pay reparations of $4259.12 to electricity company Te Aponga Uira and around $700 in court fines and court costs for three separate charges.
JCPC re-established to address growing juvenile crime concerns
Monday 19 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
Cabinet has supported the re-establishment of the Juvenile Crime Prevention Committee (JCPC), paving the way for the appointment of a new Committee.
‘Only in the Cooks’: Retiring judge shares fond memories of Cook Islands
Saturday 17 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Features, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
After 12 years of dedicated service to the Cook Islands justice system, High Court Judge Dame Judith Potter is hanging up her robes, leaving a legacy of legal expertise, and taking with her some ‘only in the Cooks’ memories.
High Court halts Te Puka land dispute pending cost payment
Friday 16 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
The proceedings for the Nikao land – Te Puka against the Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) have been halted after High Court Justice Dame Judith Potter ordered a ‘stay order’ against applicant Ellena Tavioni and others, who are to pay $12,523.45 with a 10 per cent interest for previously dismissed matters.
Drug trial adjourned due to absent defence lawyer
Friday 16 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
The application filed by Crown Law to admit hearsay for accused Christopher Denny, Charles Tuakana Katu and Tui Mantangaro Tupa, who are facing drug-related charges, has been adjourned due to the absence of defence lawyer Mark Short.
Young offender escapes jail time in high profile burglaries
Thursday 15 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
A 20-year-old man, who was involved in two high profile joint burglary cases in Avarua, has been warned by the High Court judge, Dame Judith Potter that any future offending ‘will deserve no leniency’.
Man caught with cannabis during community service at Corrections Services premises
Thursday 15 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
Ngatupuna Ngatokoono Teinakitama, 27, was ordered to pay a $500 fine and serve an additional four months of community service after being convicted of possessing cannabis – marijuana leaves.
Court orders forfeiture of motor- bike purchased with stolen funds
Wednesday 14 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
The Cook Islands High Court has ordered that the motorcycle that was purchased with stolen government funds by recently convicted former civil servants to be handed over to the Crown.
Amended charges expected in drug case
Wednesday 14 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
An amended charge list against Christopher Denny, Charles Tuakana Katu and Tui Mantangaro Tupa is expected to be presented to Justice Dame Judith Potter on Thursday.
11 months jail for man caught smuggling 1.176kg of cannabis
Tuesday 13 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Local, National
A man in his 20s has been convicted and ordered to serve 11-months in jail for charges that include importing 1.176 kilograms of cannabis to Rarotonga.
Government to claim motorcycle purchased with stolen funds
Monday 12 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
Former civil servants serving time in prison will face a court hearing on Tuesday to determine if a motorbike purchased with stolen government funds will be confiscated.
