July 03, 2014
King’s son discharged on burglary charges
The son of the Maori King has been discharged without conviction on theft and burglary charges relating to an incident in Gisborne in March.
But Korotangi Paki needs to prove he does not have an alcohol problem before he can be discharged without conviction on a further charge of driving with excess breath alcohol last October.
In the Auckland District Court yesterday, Judge Philippa Cunningham said she had to take into account the fact a Gisborne judge last week discharged Paki’s three co-accused without conviction after they completed a restorative justice process and undertook an extensive mana restoration programme that included mentoring.
In addition Paki had completed the Right Track programme for young driving offenders.
She said a conviction on the drunk driving charge would affect Paki’s prospects of becoming Maori king or acting as a trustee for tribal assets, because of the high standard Maoridom expected for those positions.
But the fact both offences involved alcohol meant she wanted to be see a report from an alcohol and drug specialist before she issued the discharge.
Even if he is discharged he will be disqualified from driving for eight months.
In March Paki and his three friends stole surfboards and clothes from two addresses after a drinking session.
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