A New Zealand actor, who starred in the hit film Boy, has pleaded guilty to an assault charge after coming to the aid of his mum and sister during a streetside melee.
Pana Lawrence Hema-Taylor appeared in Auckland District Court this morning to face a charge relating to an incident outside his family's home last February.
The 27-year-old who played the role of mechanic Bert Thompson in TV3's Westside was initially facing a charge of assault with intent to injure. However, the charge was amended to common assault given the circumstances of the incident.
In a statement from Hema-Taylor provided to the Herald from his lawyer, Ron Mansfield, the actor said he feared for the safety of his family.
"The incident arose when I rushed outside to see my mother and sister, a young mother herself, being confronted by an intoxicated male and female," The Brokenwood Mysteries actor said.