20 Sep 2017

Decision on a controversial case overturned in Cook Islands

8:02 am on 20 September 2017

The Crown Law Office in the Cook Islands has won an appeal to overturn a recent decision made by a Justice of the Peace in the High Court.

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Photo: 123RF

The Justice of the Peace had discharged a 20-year old male without conviction but the decision was quashed yesterday by Justice Patrick Keane.

Justice Keane said a new charge would be laid against the defendant who had pleaded guilty to common assault and the matter will appear before another JP as the defendant is currently living in Australia.

The case had become controversial after the family of the victim claimed that police had withheld important information during the original trial.

The Office of the Ombudsman is investigating the allegation.