Police v Taufahema [2011] CKHC 11; CR 56 2011 (11 March 2011)

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

CR NO. 56/2011

POLICE

V

VAIKOLOA TAUFAHEMA

Hearing: 11 March 2011

Counsel: Mr T Manavaroa for Police
T V E Browne, Child and Family Officer

Sentence: 11 March 2011

SENTENCING NOTES OF HINGSTON J

T Manavaroa, Crown Law Office, Avarua, Rarotonga
TVE Browne, Child & Family Officer, Children & Family Services, Rarotonga

[1] Mr Taufahema, I have read your file and your own letter. I am going to go along with the recommendation of the Child & Family Services and give you supervision. This will probably be your last chance. And it was not in front of me, but you have been treated harshly. However, that is in the past. That is a worry for you. If you co-operate and behave and go with the Child & Family Services all will be well. But if you do not, you are going to have problems.

[2] I am going to sentence you to 12 montupervision with the Chie Child & Family Services, under the following conditions:

1. You are to stth your mother, Mele Taufahaufahema of Ngatangiia.
   
2. You are to report to the office of the Child & Family Services as directed by the Child and Family Officer.
   

100. You are not to go out on your own between the hours of 7:00 pm :00 am in the mornimorning. But you can go out if your brother James or your mother accompanies you.
     

4. You are to attend ancational programme or traintraining as directed by the Child & Family Officer.
   

[3] They have also suggested the first six months you also serve community service. This is so that they can keep an eye on you.

[4] For your own benefit I think it is time the system stopped putting the boot into you, and to try to do something to help you. I think that is in the wings now. However, if they ask you to attend an education programme you should do that. In other words, listen to them because they are doing it for your benefit.

[5] So, young man, I am sentencing you to supervision until you are 17. I think you deserve a chance. Stand down.

Hingston J