Woman granted bail gets firm warning from judge

Shanar Ruiha Yorke, 36, of Cobden, appeared in Greymouth District Court on Friday on charges following an argument with a taxi driver. Photo / Thinkstock

A West Coast woman accused of threatening behaviour and obstructing and assaulting police after getting into an argument with a taxi driver got a firm warning from a judge.

Shanar Ruiha Yorke, 36, of Cobden, appeared in Greymouth District Court on Friday on charges following an argument with a taxi driver.

Lawyer George Linder said Yorke had "issues" with one taxi driver and when she booked a taxi she always made an effort to ensure she avoided that particular driver.

However, last Thursday someone else had booked the taxi.

Mr Linder said Yorke denied spitting at a police officer, saying she could not have done as she was on the ground at the time.

Judge Tony Couch said he had concerns about allowing Yorke bail due to the risk of her re-offending.

Mr Linder said part of the previous police objections to her being granted bail - the fact that her half brother Toa Tokomaru Marino had been living with her - was no longer an issue, as he had been bailed to another address.

Earlier this year, Yorke was sentenced in the Christchurch District Court to community work and intensive supervision on five charges of assault.

While on remand for those offences Yorke had spent some time in custody.

Mr Linder said Yorke had not enjoyed that experience in jail, and the threat of it was enough of a deterrent to ensure she behaved while on bail this time.

A reluctant Judge Tony Couch agreed to grant Yorke bail until August 11, but on very strict terms and a warning that "any breach of your bail is very likely to result in a remand in custody".