Justice of the Peace John Whitta presided over several cases on Thursday last week, varying from theft, assault, excess blood alcohol, careless driving and others.

John Samatua Solomona, who is facing charges of dangerous driving and excess blood alcohol, appeared before JP Whitta.

Both defence counsel and prosecution advised that fresh disclosures need to be forwarded as the original file had been misplaced by the defendant.

The case was adjourned to May 29, 2025 at 9.30am and the defendant remanded at large.

---------------

Enuakura Ngatokoroa Maruaau, who faces charges of theft and three counts of dealing with a document, also had her case adjourned.

The defence counsel advised that she was still waiting for final disclosures and a final summary of facts.

There were also discussions to be held over the use of document charge and to allow all of this to be resolved.

The matter has been adjourned to June 5, 2025, with existing bail conditions to be continued.

-------------------

David Griffith Robati, who faces charges of EBA and careless driving, also had his case adjourned to May 29, 2025, with existing bail conditions to continue.

The police prosecutor advised that the defense is still waiting for some disclosures regarding the careless driving charge.

----------

A visitor, Isaac William Chapman, who was in the country on holiday, pleaded guilty to a charge of being drunk in a public place.

His lawyer, Jamie Crawford, submitted that the defendant was here from Auckland and had planned to leave last Sunday, as he served as a sales maker.

“It appears from the summary of facts that he had a little bit too much alcohol and some family issues that have led to this charge. He understands that he will need to pay the fine,” Crawford said.

Observed to be drunk and disorderly in public, the defendant yelled at family members before being successfully taken home.

Given that this was his first offense and that he pleaded guilty at his first appearance, he was therefore discharged without conviction and ordered to pay $50 in court costs.