Tamatoa Tetupuorongo Ariki Albert Henry Nicholas who is facing charges of common assault and intent to injure has pleaded guilty.

He appeared before Justice of the Peace Nadine Newnham at the Criminal Court in Avarua last Thursday.

Defence counsel Mark Short said he had received instructions from his client’s family to admit to the facts.

Short also asked for a probation report to be prepared and a sentencing date to be confirmed.

He said this has been a difficult case involving Nicholas, a young man who is currently going through counselling and rehabilitation.

JP Newnham said Nicholas was to be sentenced on April 2, however this was moved to May 7 for all matters to be sentenced.

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Defence counsel Mona Ioane requested a probation report from the Court before his client Mariri Terepo is sentenced on May 28.

Terepo had appeared before Justice of the Peace Nadine Newnham for a charge of careless driving to which he pleaded guilty last Thursday.

The court heard that on February 21 in Tupapa, Terepo carelessly drove a vehicle on a public road and crashed into a pickup truck.

Lawyer Ioane also requested that a psychiatric report be ordered. JP Newnham said defence could get the report sorted for sentencing.

Police prosecutor senior sergeant Fairoa Tararo said they would be presenting reparations and it was quite substantial.

The matter has been adjourned to May 28 for sentencing.

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The custody matter of the man who faces charges of three counts of assault against a female and assault with intent to injure has been adjourned to May 9.

The accused appeared before Justice of the Peace Nadine Newnham and was represented by defence counsel Michelle Tangimama who requested disclosures and her client’s criminal history report.

She also said a psychiatric report was needed.

Police prosecutor senior sergeant Fairoa Tararo said the psychiatric report could be obtained if the court ordered it.

However, JP Newnham said the report was already with the court and a copy would be provided to defence and prosecution.

Tararo said the other reports would be completed and provided by the next adjournment date.

The defendant is remanded in custody.