DISTRICT COURT

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 669, 14 January 1997, Page 6

DISTRICT COURT

The following cases were heard by Judge Gregory Ross of Palmerston North in the Ohakune District Court on Thursday 19 December. Senior-Sergeant Ross Bielby appeared for the police prosecution. "Just being stupid" Richard Tama Tepohe Payne, 19, unemployed of Taihape, pleaded guilty to a charge of fighting in a public place (outside the Ohakune Hotel in Clyde Street) at 2am on 12 December. Whenhewas asked for an explanation Payne

said that he'd had one too many drinks and was just being stupid. Judge Ross agreed and fined Payne $155, court costs $95. Complainant not willing to testify Duncan Vincent Metekingi, 21 , unemployed of Palmerston North, was to have appeared for a defended hearing on a charge of assaulting a female but police reported that they were unable to present any evidence as the victim was unwilling to testify against the defendant. The case

against Metekingi was dismissed for lack of a prosecution witness with Judge Ross commenting "the police were left high and dry". Warrant for arrest Tama Paul, 22, process worker of Panmure, Auckland, failed to appear to answer charges of disorderly behaviour and to stealing six electric light bulbs valued at $24 from the Ohakune Hotel on 20 November. Failing his appearance a warrant for arrest was issued.