Collector of Inland Revenue v Iripa [2016] CKHC 30; Plaint 17 of 2015 (18 March 2016)

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

PLAINT NO: 17/2015

BETWEEN COLLECTOR OF INLAND REVENUE

Plaintiff

AND HENRY IRIPA

Defendant

Date: 18 March 2016

Counsel: Ms A Mills for the Plaintiff

No appearance for Defendant

DIRECTIONS OF THE HONOURABLE JUSTICE DAME JUDITH POTTER

[1] I refer to the minute of Justice Grice dated 04 December 2015 when this matter was adjourned to today. It involves the sum of $521,836.57 for unpaid income tax and additional tax and it may well be that interest is accruing on that amount.
[2] A notice of intention to defend was filed immediately before the last call of the matter but there has been no further action. I direct the following now take place;

1. The Crown is to check with Mr Arnold as to whether he has instructions from the defendant. If not, the Crown is to take all reasonable steps to communicate with Mr Iripa.
2. The advice to be given to whichever of those parties is relevant, is that a statement of defence must be filed promptly. If not, the Crown will move for a judgment.

[3] The matter is adjourned to the High Court call-over in the session commencing 23 May 2016. If no steps are taken, the defendant must be prepared for the Crown to move for judgment.
[4] I direct that copies of this minute be sent by the Registry to Mr Arnold and to Mr Iripa (I understand the Crown has an address for Mr Iripa).

Judith Potter, J