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11 November 2022

Man facing assault and violence charges represent himself

Thursday 23 March 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Court, National

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Man facing assault and violence charges represent himself

A man with multiple assault and violence charges is representing himself in Court.

Iorama Ngataua appeared before Justice Christopher Toogood in the High Court in Avarua on Tuesday.

He faces charges of wilful damage, threatening acts, threatening to kill, assault with intent to injure, and contempt of court.

It is alleged the incidents took place on September 14, 2020, September 26, 2021, July 7, 2022, September 5, 2022 and December 17, 2022.

In the first incident, Ngataua allegedly got angry with the complainant, who is known to him and has name suppression, and smashed her vehicle and poured petrol through her father’s house.

The next incident alleges that he hit the complainant’s daughter during an argument while she was driving a vehicle to Wigmore’s. He was charged with assault on a female.

On July 7, 2022, Ngataua breached his bail conditions by purchasing alcohol and contacting the complainants.

On September 5, 2022, Ngataua followed the complainant while she was visiting a friend’s place.

He allegedly got angry, and smashed the complainant’s vehicle – the same vehicle he had previously damaged – and was intoxicated when arrested by police.

The complainant was cross-examined on Tuesday.

She told the Court that on September 14, 2020, she was at her father’s house after finishing work.

Ngataua arrived and began arguing with her, accusing her of being unfaithful after spotting a “wet patch” on her trousers.

She explained to Ngataua that the wet patch was from water blasting, but he kept accusing her.

She said she ran away to the neighbouring house, as she was scared. At this point, her father was not at his house. She went back to her father’s house when he returned.

She said when she walked back, she noticed her car windows had been smashed. She also spotted Ngataua carrying a tin of petrol.

Later on that day, the complainant said she went back inside her father’s house, where she discovered petrol in the sitting room, and a hole in the wall.

She said she could smell the petrol.

After the incident, Ngataua was arrested by police.

Ngataua, who is representing himself, cross-examined the complainant.

He asked whether the incident was provoked.

She said “no”.

He also asked whether she had been with anyone else while they were together.

She said “yes”.

The trial ended on Wednesday.