May 7, 2025

Justice of the Peace John Whitta presided over several cases last week Friday, including the case involving Nooti Turahi Peau, who is expected to face further charges.

Peau, represented by defence counsel Mark Short, is currently charged for possession of cannabis, two counts of assault on a female and common assault.

Police prosecutor senior sergeant Fairoa Tararo asked for another adjournment, advising the court that a police review will be done on the matters, and this will require some time.

The case is adjourned to May 29 and the existing bail conditions are to continue.

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The case of Marsela Kareroa, who faces three counts of theft, has been adjourned to May 29.

Defence lawyer Michelle Tangimama Pera Robati advised the court that the final disclosures for the offence she has been waiting for, which include video footage from the police, have now been received.

She needs time to review this footage and has applied for an adjournment.

This was not opposed and the matter has been adjourned to May 29 with existing bail conditions to continue.

Prior to that, Robati said if the footage was not provided in time, she would make an application for the case to be dismissed.

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Another case involves a man facing two counts of assault on a female, and whose name is suppressed by the court.

Defence counsel Jamie Crawford said discussions have been ongoing to gain access to a resolution.

“There is an amended summary of facts that has confirmed that it exceeds the new summary, the amended summary and the defendant has accepted the new summary and would plea to one charge of assault on female and in return, to withdraw the other charge,” she said.

The defence counsel advised that police had denied the opportunity for diversion. However, discussions led to an agreed amendment of the summary of facts.

The defendant pleaded guilty through their counsel to one count of the charge, while the prosecution withdrew the other.

The case was adjourned for sentencing on June 30, 2025. 

A probation report was ordered, and the existing bail conditions are to continue.