A 24-year-old salesman who allegedly gave a false statement police to try and get criminal charges against two friends withdrawn has himself appeared in Masterton District Court facing charges. Joshua Rimene appeared before Judge Tony Walsh entering no plea to charges of cultivating cannabis and attempting to pervert the course of justice.
Police allege Rimene made false statements regarding Victor Thompson and Toni Wilton on May 21 saying he was responsible for an indoor cannabis operation set up in Wilton's shed.
They had since pleaded guilty to cultivating cannabis and have been sentenced.
Rimene also faces two driving charges from Taupo dated July 11, failing to stop for police and driving while forbidden. Rimene was remanded on bail with a condition to report to Masterton police every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
He is due back in court on November 27 to plead to the charges.
