Hannam said the report would address significant issues which had influenced Ratu’s offending. Crown prosecutor Jacob Bourke opposed the delay but acknowledged it wasn’t Hannam or the judge’s fault the report had not been prepared. Judge Greig said the report was pivotal because without it, he wasn’t able to arrive at a sentence of two years or under, so home detention wasn’t an option. He remanded Ratu in custody for sentencing on April 23, unless the report could be prepared earlier. The police summary of facts stated in May 2019 Ratu offered to supply or supplied a total of 3.2 grams of methamphetamine in a variety of weights on a number of occasions.
However, the case was then transferred back to the New Plymouth District Court and Sovea was supposed to appear before Judge Gregory Hikaka on Thursday but failed to turn up for the hearing. Defence lawyer Julian Hannam appeared on instructions from Auckland-based lawyer Renee Karena and said because of Sovea’s failure to appear he could not oppose a warrant for his arrest being issued. Police prosecutor Sergeant Heath Karlson sought an arrest warrant to be issued. Hikaka granted the application.
Bike Rider Magazine
Chris McKay loved motorcycling and camping. He died on Waitangi Day following a crash with a truck on State Highway 3 south of Mōkau. (file photo)