Delay sees accused facing deportation

A Vanuatuan man in Wairarapa working as a grape picker and facing a charge of unlawful sexual connection with a girl under 16 could be deported before he is able to be dealt with by the justice system.

Rodger Werwer was back in Masterton District Court yesterday on the charge that relates back to December 31 last year but there has still been no progress in finding an interpreter for him.

Judge Bill Hastings remanded Werwer, who has not been able to enter a plea to the allegation, on bail until May 28 but made the point the work visa granted to Werwer may expire, rendering him an overstayer likely for deportation.

Adding to the court's problem is that is not completely clear as to whether the language Werwer understands is Islama or pidgin English although Judge Hastings has tried to solve the problem by yesterday emailing an Auckland office seeking a pidgin interpreter.

Werwer had a friend in court yesterday who, according to police, was able to pass on what was happening to him but to proceed with the court case an interpreter has to be an accredited translator.

The remand to late May was ruled as necessary in order for police to respond to an Abuse of Process application lodged by Werwer's counsel Jock Blathwayt which was filed this week.

Mr Blathwayt has described the police and court's inability to find an interpreter for Werwer as "disgraceful" in view of the fact Werwer had a three-month wait before appearing to answer the allegation.

Yesterday, police prosecutor Sergeant Garry Wilson told the court the alleged sexual offence Werwer is facing happened on New Year's Eve and within two days there had been a homicide that tied up all available Wairarapa police personnel.

The case against Werwer had been "pushed side", he said.

Mr Wilson said the allegation against Werwer was one of "digital penetration" and because the matter had not been resolved police had no option but to allow immigration to "do what they have to do".