Police v Samuel [2011] CKHC 67; CR520.2011 (20 October 2011)

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE COOK ISLANDS
HELD AT RAROTONGA
(CRIMINAL DIVISION)
CR NO. 520/11

POLICE

V

TUAKANA SAMUEL

Hearing: 20 October 2011

Counsel: Mr Manavaroa for the Police
Mr George for the Defendant

DECISION OF THE HONORABLE PATRICK SAVAGE J

FTR 8:51:23]

[1] Mr Samuel, you are a 40 year old man appearing for the first time in this Court, that is quite remarkable of itself, but you know in the end you are facing 20 years imprisonment. You are not going to get 20 years imprisonment but just bear that in mind for the future.

[2] It is clear to me that you have lived a relatively blameless life, you are living a responsible life within the community and you have a good degree of community support. You have done something completely stupid.

[3] I do not believe on the assessment of the file that the community of the Cook Islands should be wasting its time paying money to a Probation Officer to baby you along. I think that is wrong as a matter of principle and I do not think you need it. Rather, you should be paying the Cook Islands community.

[4] Sufficient denunciation, deterrent, and, in hope of getting you back onto the straight and narrow, I now sentence you to a fine of $750. And there is an Order for destruction. Stand down, thank you.

Editorial Note: Derived from the Court’s electronic records and believed to be correct and final.