Justice of the Peace Tangi Taoro presided over several court matters at the Criminal Court in Avarua on Thursday.

Alder Alexander Glassie has denied the charge of careless driving.

Defence lawyer Norman George advised that Police Prosecution reviewed the case and would be proceeding with the matter. George requested full disclosures to be provided.

The matter has been adjourned to September 23 for a defendant hearing.

--

A charge of assault on a female against Apenisa Vukialagi has been withdrawn through the police diversion programme, after Vukialagi attended six weeks of counselling.

Defence lawyer Henry Herman mentioned that his client had accepted responsibility and expressed a desire to reconcile with his wife. Police prosecutor senior sergeant Fairoa Tararo confirmed the completion of the diversion programme.

--

Taiava Tekaria was convicted and fined $300, plus $50 in court costs, for driving with excess breath alcohol.

He was arrested on May 8 after police responded to a motor vehicle crash in Avarua, where he recorded a blood alcohol level of 1320 micrograms. He has been disqualified from driving or obtaining a driver's license for the next 12 months. In another EBA case, Kauata Martino’s matter has been adjourned to May 29. Defence lawyer Henry Herman stated that Martino was arrested on Sunday and bailed on Monday for a charge of excess breath alcohol.

--

Eritara Teraro was granted bail on the condition that he reside with his aunt in Tupapa and not go to his partner’s mother’s residence in Arorangi. Charged with possession of a utensil, Teraro was warned by the court to conform to his aunt's expectations. His bail conditions include abstaining from alcohol and illicit drugs, as well as not committing any acts of violence. He is under a curfew from 7 pm to 7 am, and the matter is adjourned to May 30 before the Chief Justice.

-- Brendon and Tiola Crummer each face a charge of wilful damage. The matter has been adjourned to May 29, allowing time for them to get a lawyer. They are ordered not to contact any police witnesses or the complainant.