Police v Turepu [2006] CKHC 49; CR446.05 (24 February 2006)

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE COOK ISLANDS
HELD AT RAROTONGA
(CRIMINAL DIVISION)

CR 446/05

POLICE

v

NOOROA TUREPU
Defendant

Date: 24 February 2006

Sgt Howard for Police
Mr. Little for Defendant

SENTENCE OF HINGSTON J

Mr. Turepu, I have taken into account everything Mr. Little has told me. I take on board however, two things: primarily the victim was only a child of 11 years and secondly, if I did not impose a custodial sentence, it may well be looked upon by the community that the Court has given license to this sort of conduct. However Mr. Little has done very well because before he began and produced the documents, I was considering quite a considerable sentence. I cannot in all good conscience, because of the seriousness of the offence, the age of the victim and this is a small community. The Court cannot be seen in any way to be condoning this type of conduct, therefore I am going to sentence you to 6 months imprisonment to be followed by 12 months probation and the probation will carry with it the terms that you will not drink alcoholic liquor, you will not go into premises that sell alcoholic liquor and you will also attend any alcoholic remedial courses or gatherings recommended by your Probation Officer.

Now as to the question of suppression, I am not prepared in these circumstances to continue suppression of your name.

H K Hingston
JUDGE