A former police officer in the Cook Islands has been found not guilty of dangerous driving causing death, following a three and a half day hearing at the High Court.
While a senior sergeant in 2013, Cymon Ratai Kaivananga pursued a 16-year-old motorcyclist in Tupapa, who later crashed into a police patrol truck and died of internal injuries.
The 20-minute, 16-kilometre chase involved flashing lights and sirens, but Chief Justice Tom Weston advised the jury that did not amount to a legal defence.
Mr Kaivananga cited his 34 years of police service and 20 years in traffic enforcement without causing a single accident, to show he was a careful and competent driver.
He said that during the chase the motorcyclist had driven in front of the police vehicle at least six times in an effort to prevent officers from stopping him or identifying him.
He argued the motorcyclist had worn a wig, a baseball cap, a "hoodie" and a scarf to conceal his identity.
The jury retired for two and a half hours before returning the not guilty verdict.