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Court Report

DAVID GOLK

A man accused of trespassing onto private property while intoxicated was sentenced before the District Court yesterday morning.

David Golk of Iliili entered into a plea agreement with the government, pleading guilty to charges of trespassing and drinking in public areas — both are misdemeanors.

Golk was arrested on February 19, 2012 with his bail set at $3,000. The defendant apologized to the court for his wrongdoing and promised the court that he will not break the law in the future.

Before sentencing was handed down, District Court Judge John Ward told the defendant that he’s a good person, but once he drinks alcohol, he makes mistakes.

Ward sentenced Golk to 45 days for each charge however that was stayed, and the defendant was placed on probation for 24 months on the condition that he consume no alcohol, nor may he congregate with those who are drinking alcohol. He must also visit the probation office regularly.

Court filings say that on December 2, 2011 the defendant was arrested at a bus stop in Iliili where he was drinking alcohol, and he appeared before the court on December 5, 2011 where he denied the charges. He was released on bail with the condition that he remain a law abiding citizen. Court filings say that a month later, the defendant was arrested at Fatu ma Futi for trespassing and since then Golk has been in jail.

District Court Judge John Ward released Golk yesterday, and he was ordered to obey all conditions of his release.

Golk was represented by Assistant Public Defender Donna Clement, while prosecuting was Assistant Attorney General Camille Philippe.

FA’AEA TAFEA

The government has filed charges of felony driving against Fa’aea Tafea after he was caught driving while his driver’s license was suspended from a previous DUI charge.

Tafea, whose bail has been set at $3,000 appeared before the High Court earlier this week for his arraignment. Tafea waived his rights to a preliminary examination in the District Court on Friday.

Court filings say that while police were patrolling the public highway they came across the defendant, who was operating a vehicle with an expired driver’s license. Police impounded the vehicle and placed the defendant in jail.

Tafea denied the felony driving charge and his pretrial conference has been scheduled for March 21, 2012. He is represented by the Public Defender’s office, while prosecuting was Assistant Attorney General Camille Philippe.