Police v Tangatakino [2007] CKHC 30; CR204.2007 (14 September 2007)

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

CR NO: 204/207

POLICE

v

CINDY TANGATAKINO
Defendant

Date of Sentence:	14 September 2007
Counsel:	Senior Sergeant Howard for Police
	Mr C Petero for Defendant

SENTENCE OF WESTON J

1. Miss Tangatakino, you are here for sentence having pleaded guilty to the offence of forgery which carries a term of imprisonment of up to 10 years. The circumstances as set out in the Police caption report indicate an offence that I think can probably be described as mean. You stole someone else's bank book, and withdrew $800.00 from it. The victim was upset by that. She was saving money to buy a motorcycle and, at least initially, you deprived of her hard work for your own selfish pleasure.
2. To your credit is the fact that you then took steps to pay money back and you are lucky that your father has come to your rescue to pay the balance so that you appear in front of me today with an entirely clean slate. As I said this morning, it is too often the case that parents are really the ones that appear to be punished by the actions of their thoughtless children. I commend your father for standing behind you and for his support and I hope you are sufficiently shamed by that that we are never going to see you here again.
3. The Police have asked that in addition to the term of probation in the report as is recommended, that you should also be ordered to serve 6 months community service. It is tempting to agree with their recommendation, bearing in mind as I say, I think that your offence was a particularly mean one.
4. However, this is your first offence, and the fact that the money has been repaid albeit with the assistance of your father, means that I will not order community service. Instead I accept the recommendation of the Probation Officer that you serve 12 months probation. You have already made reparation so I do not need to deal with that and you are also directed to attend any training or workshops as the service may direct you to attend. In addition, you must pay Court costs of $30.00.

Judge