Maiarii Kauvai has been remanded in custody until her sentencing on August 28.

Kauvai appeared at the Criminal Court in Avarua before Justice of the Peace Georgina Williams on Thursday, August 17.

Represented by lawyer Mark Short, Kauvai admitted to around seven contempt of court charges. She had earlier pleaded guilty to the burglary and fraud charges.

JP Williams who had warned the defendant at her earlier two court appearances reiterated she “will go inside if breach again”.

Police prosecutor senior sergeant Fairoa Tararo asked that the defendant be remanded in custody until her sentencing. The request was granted.

JP Williams said the days Kauvai spent in custody will be taken into consideration during sentencing on August 23.

-----

Benjamin Jessie admitted to the charges of possession of cannabis, careless driving and possession of utensil through defence counsel Moana Ioane.

Police prosecutor senior sergeant Fairoa Tararo said disclosures were given to Jessie’s father and the defendant is to be sentenced before a Judge.

Justice of the Peace Georgina Williams adjourned the matter for a call over by a Judge and ordered that a probation report be ready before sentencing.

Jessie is not to leave Cook Islands without the approval of the High Court.

-------

A woman, who has interim name suppression, has admitted to assaulting a child in Rarotonga.

Defence counsel Michelle Tangimama requested that a probation report be provided five days before sentencing.

The woman is to be sentenced on October 10 before a Justice of the Peace.

--------

A man who was accused of punching a woman in the stomach has admitted to the charges.

Semesa Nalalakiwai faces two counts of assault on a female and one count of wilful damage.

The Court heard that on June 7 this year, he punched the woman in the stomach in Tupapa and on the same day he damaged the windscreen of a motor vehicle valued at $5728.

The matter has been adjourned to October 10 for sentencing.

Bail conditions continue – he is not allowed to leave Rarotonga, not to consume or purchase alcohol and not to enter any liquor license premises.

-------

Asera Jonathan Bailey has pleaded not guilty to a burglary charge.

Defence counsel Norman George said his client elected a trial by three Justices of the Peace.

The matter has been adjourned to October 25.