A New Zealand business executive who visited Rarotonga was discharged without conviction yesterday for a case to which he pleaded guilty.

Justice of the Peace Tangi Taoro, who presided over the case, granted him name suppression as well as suppression of details of the offending on the basis that his businesses and reputation would be affected.

He was ordered to pay $500 to the victim whom he wrote an apology letter to after feeling remorseful for what may have happened while he was intoxicated.

JP Taoro ruled that the offending was at a lower end of the scale compared to various and similar offenses.

The defendant’s night in police custody after the offense was considered part of the punishment, a point defense counsel Jamie Crawford included in her submissions.

Other cases

Meanwhile, JP John Whitta ruled that David Griffith Robati, who was charged for excess breath alcohol and careless driving, be convicted and to pay reparation of over $9700 after he pleaded guilty through counsel last week.

He is also to be on 12 months’ probation and is disqualified for 12 months from driving.

Robati is not allowed to leave the country due to his probation.

The prosecution asked for more than $9700 in reparation to compensate the victims involved.

William Rata, who is facing a charge of common assault, had his case adjourned to July 10 as he did not understand the consequences of the pleas.

Rata told the court that he has resolved things with his family and wants to move on with his life, but he has pleaded not guilty without a defense counsel.

JP Whitta advised him that if he pleads not guilty, he will need to consult a lawyer before sentencing.

The JP then adjourned the case until he has spoken with a lawyer and is fully informed about the plea process.