|
‘Go to hell,’ says George
Man convicted 4 times for abuse
Alleged child abuser in court
Rebels to face Fiji Me tonight
‘Go to hell,’ says George
Tue
26 Feb
|
|
Lawyer Norman George says he is not concerned about possible further disciplinary action that could see him disbarred.
13022123
|
Chastised lawyer Norman George says he is not worried about any further disciplinary action against him for what the court termed an ‘abuse of process’.
Last Wednesday, Court of Appeal judges issued damning criticism of George’s conduct in a land appeal case – saying his argument was “full of inconsistencies, inaccuracies and exaggeration”.
George was acting for Annie George and alleged the appellants and their lawyer Tina Pupuke Browne achieved the 51 per cent ownership threshold of Tuoro section 87A5 at Arorangi through fraudulent means.
But George failed to back up his courtroom argument, and made no attempts to identify any specific errors of law or fact in the judgement under appeal. “Such an approach is wholly unacceptable,” wrote the three appeal judges in their costs judgement.
The judges referred the case to Chief Justice Tom Weston to see if any further disciplinary action – on top of the over $4000 costs George must pay – is warranted.
But George is not concerned.
“I’m not worried. I’m used to facing obstacles. Having costs awarded against me is a disciplinary action in itself.”
George, who is also a member of parliament, says he accepts the Court of Appeal judgment. He thinks they were lenient in awarding costs against him, as the appellants asked for over $30,000. “It wasn’t as bad as I thought.”
But he does not agree with the judges’ opinion that it was a waste of time and resource to go through with the “vexatious” appeal.
“Every citizen has a right to their day in court,” he says.
George does not think the strong judgment will endanger his legal practice. One lawyer, who did not want to be named, suggested George’s “incompetent” conduct would result in him being struck off from the legal bar.
“It doesn’t merit me being disbarred. The lawyer that said that is just jealous.
Man convicted 4 times for abuse
Tue
26 Feb
A 27-year-old narrowly escaped a jail sentence after he was convicted for the fourth time for assaulting his partner.
Tangata Katuke appeared in High Court before Justice of the Peace Bernice Manarangi for sentencing last Thursday. He previously pleaded guilty to the charge of male assaults female.
According the police summary of facts, Katuke had been drinking alcohol before having a verbal argument with his partner at their Arorangi home in the early hours of December 20 last year.
He then grabbed the victim, pushed her onto a bed and punched her in the face several times.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Maeva Kurikava said the woman was taken to hospital for treatment and was discharged later that day.
Prosecution said the defendant had no excuse for his actions, having been convicted of the same assault charge three times since 2008.
“There are other ways to solve problems than to resort to physical violence,” Kurikava said. “He has been warned numerous times and has received ample warnings by the court. Nobody has the right to physically harm another person.”
Kurikava spoke of the mental abuse the victim has suffered having been on the receiving end of the abuse. He also said the defendant and his partner have children and although they were not physically hurt, there was an element of mental abuse having to see their parents throw punches at each other.
Katuke’s lawyer, Wilkie Rasmussen said his client was extremely remorseful and had a supportive partner who wanted to drop the charges.
“He is the sole provider for the family and has written a letter to the court, a letter of sincere apology for his conduct,” Rasmussen said.
“This offence is the turning point, he realises this time around that his actions were wrong.”
Justice Manarangi said she hoped it was the last time the defendant appeared before the court.
She said the only problem she could identify was alcohol.
“Maybe you and your wife should abstain from drinking because when you drink, you get angry.”
Katuke was sentenced to 12 months’ probation with eight months to be served on community service.
Alleged child abuser in court
Tue
26 Feb
The High Court on February 21 was presided over by Justice of the Peace Bernice Manarangi, who passed the following judgments:
Wilfred Dauvois – appeared on a charge of common assault.
No plea was entered but his defence counsel, Norman George applied for bail which faced no opposition from police prosecutor Sergeant Maeva Kurikava.
Bail was granted and the case was adjourned to March 28.
Tipora Maihia – charged with theft as a servant.
There was no appearance but his lawyer, George said he may have been unaware he was due in court. A trial date of March 11 was set and bail was to continue.
Leroy Robinson – had originally faced three assault related charges relating to an incident on December 21.
Crown Law prosecutor Cheryl King, withdrew a charge of assault with intent to injure. Instead a joint charge along with Noema Kauvarevai was laid of injuring with intent to injure, which Robinson pleaded not guilty to.
However the defendant did admit to a single count of common assault.
He was remanded on bail and will reappear in court on March 7.
Noema Kauvarevai – had previously pleaded not guilty on assault with intent, careless driving causing injury and sexual intercourse with a girl under 14.
Crown Law withdrew the assault with the intent to injure charge and laid a joint charge with Leroy Robinson of injuring with intent to injure. He entered a not guilty plea.
He was released on bail and will reappear on the April 18 for a trial before a jury.
Iriea Orake – faced an assault on a female charged.
However, Crown Law prosecutor Cheryl King withdrew the charge because both the defendant and the victim had left the country.
Orake had been receiving psychiatric treatment in Rarotonga but returned to New Zealand where he is receiving ongoing treatment with their Ministry of Health.
James Estall – faced charges of manslaughter and driving with excess breath alcohol.
He appeared briefly for a callover and the case was adjourned to April 18.
Teremoana Saddler – charged with possession of a bong.
The matter was adjourned to next Thursday.
Ricky Carlson – appeared on a charge of possession of cannabis.
His lawyer, Norman George applied for bail but it was opposed by Crown Law prosecutor Cheryl King. She told the court that the defendant is currently on bail for 32 drug related charges that emerged from Operation Eagle. Part of his conditions was not to possess or consume drugs.
He was remanded back into custody to reappear on March 14 before a judge.
Alberta Tutakiao – no plea was entered for a burglary charge.
He was granted bail and the case was adjourned to March 7.
Vinika Richard – pleaded guilty to assault on a female.
He was remanded on bail to reappear on March 7 for sentencing.
Turi Natini – appeared on a callover for an assault on a female charge.
He had previously pleaded guilty and the case was adjourned to March 7.
Ratu Virivirisai – pleaded guilty to drunken driving causing injury.
He had previously pleaded guilty to a drink driving charge and the case has been adjourned to March 15 for sentencing.
Patua Crummer – appeared on a charge of burglary.
The case was adjourned to March 7, with bail conditions continuing.
Shariana Vano – faced an unlawful taking charge.
She will reappear in court on March 7.
Allan Sheddon – charged with being party to an offence and three counts of burglary.
Wilkie Rasmussen appeared on behalf of defence counsel, Charles Petero and said they were still waiting for disclosures from police.
The case has been adjourned to March 21.
Rebels to face Fiji Me tonight
Wed
27 Feb
|
|
Volleyball catch up games tonight at the TSA.
12012608
|
Tonight’s volleyball action is all about catch up games ahead of next week’s playoffs and finals the week after.
Team Rebels were recently leading the points table on 12 points and will be facing team Fiji Me who have yet to register a win but have shown some fabulous volleyball skills and enthusiasm for the game.
Fiji Me will play a second game tonight against the Notorious D.I.G team.
Second on the points table are the Spikers and they will face Aremango Sharks tonight who are sitting in 4th place after 3rd placed team Side Kicks who will play a second match tonight against the Aremango Sharks.
Games tonight will start at 6pm with two games running at the same time followed by two more games at 7pm at the Telecom Sports Arena.
Tonight’s draw – 6pm on court 1 – Spikers vs Aremango Sharks, on court 3 Rebels vs Fiji Me, 7pm on court 1 – Fiji Me vs Notorious D.I.G, on court 3 – Aremango Sharks vs Side Kicks.
|
