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Wilful damage charge admitted in ongoing dispute

Friday 27 January 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National

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Wilful damage charge admitted in ongoing dispute
Cook Islands High Court. Photo: Supplied/ 21051809

A 22-year-old male, in connection to an ongoing dispute between youths of neighbouring villages in Rarotonga, pleaded guilty at the Criminal Court in Avarua yesterday.

Adyn Anguna admitted to a charge of wilful damage following an incident at a café.

The court heard police received a complaint on January 19 at about 9.30am.

The defendant was waiting with three others outside the café, calling out to the complainant.

He attempted to enter the café and was asked by staff to leave the premises.

Anguna then walked out to the complainant’s motorcycle and damaged it.

Police said he refused to make a statement following the incident.

Damage to the motorcycle was estimated to be $250.

Justice of the Peace John Whitta then announced he hadn’t read the notes properly.

“The complainant is a relative, I shouldn’t deal with it.”

JP Whitta said he could accept the guilty plea, but would adjourn the matter to next week.

The matter was adjourned to February 2. 

Earlier this week, police said the wilful damage charge arose from a Tupapa incident a week ago.

They are also investigating an assault matter in relation to an after night club incident on Sunday January 15, involving the accused and others.

In relation to the ongoing dispute investigations, police had said two other males are being investigated on charges of assault and assault on a female.