SBW boxer in fight to gain bail

Richard Tutaki. Photo / Christine Cornege

The boxer who was to fight Sonny Bill Williams in the ring yesterday fought a legal battle for bail instead.

Richard Roretana Tutaki appeared in the Auckland District Court yesterday charged with possession of methamphetamine and drug utensils, breach of bail, three counts of receiving stolen property, unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, failing to remain stopped and giving false details to police.

He was remanded in custody and will reappear today.

Community Magistrate Jan Holmes said she denied Tutaki bail because he failed to turn up to court last Tuesday and was accused of driving away from police when pulled over.

Tutaki's lawyer, Mary Kennedy, said her client made a genuine mistake about the date and failed to appear because she may have given him the wrong date. She also said he was not driving the car.

"The driver just drove off while the police were talking to him. He says he did not instruct [the driver] to do that."

Ms Kennedy said Tutaki had turned up to previous court appearances and on one occasion spent most of the day waiting for his case to be called.

Ms Holmes said the date of Tutaki's appearance was in bold print on his bail bond.

The 33-year-old was to fight Williams at Claudelands Arena in Hamilton next month. The fight was cancelled after the Weekend Herald revealed Tutaki was facing serious criminal charges.

Police Inspector Gary Allcock told the newspaper Tutaki was arrested last Tuesday at his girlfriend's home in South Auckland.

Fight promoters had been unaware of the court case.

It is understood Tutaki, a 40-fight journeyman, had trained very little or not at all for the fight and there were concerns about his physical and mental condition.

Williams' camp on Monday announced that Clarence Tillman III would be the replacement opponent.

THE CHARGES

* Possession of methamphetamine and drug utensils.

* Breach of bail.

* Receiving stolen property.

* Driving charges.

* Giving false details to police.