The fourth accused in a Nikao brawl incident on January 28 this year has been sentenced to 12 months’ probation.

Adyn Keith Maunga Anguna was convicted for common assault by Justice of the Peace Georgina Keenan-Williams at the Criminal Court in Avarua yesterday.

The court heard that the defendant punched the victim in the face, causing him to fall to the ground. The defendant then punched the victim again.

The father of two who runs two businesses in Rarotonga was warned by JP Keenan-Williams that he could face a custodial sentence if he appeared on a similar charge for a fourth time.

According to the probation report, Anguna said he was angry with the victim for punching his younger cousin but he regretted what he did.

JP Keenan-Williams said the aggravating factors were that he punched the victim twice and this was his third appearance for a similar offence.

She said the victim received minor injuries and according to police, Anguna was not the only one who punched the victim.

JP Keenan-Williams said the victim was a 19-year-old and most of his injuries were on the right side of his head. He was unable to go to work for two days where he had lost $160 worth of salary.

She said the matter between the Avatiu and Nikao boys lasted for about a week until they apologised to each other and made peace.

JP Keenan-Williams said public brawls between rival groups were getting out of hand and people were getting tired of it.

Defence lawyer Tai Nicholas said his client had a good upbringing and is a promising sports athlete. However, he does have a violent history, including an incident of wilful damage.

JP Williams reiterated and warned Anguna to think about the consequences that his family and young children will face if he reoffended.

She further ordered him to attend any workshop or counselling as directed by probationary services, three months for community service and not to offer violence in a public place. 

He was also ordered not to leave the Cook Islands without the approval of the court and to pay $160 for loss of wages to the victim and $50 court cost.