A man escaped without penalty after being convicted for his part in beating up a relative who tried to attack him with a tomahawk.
Nikora Rongonui appeared in the Masterton District Court on Thursday to be sentenced, having earlier pleaded guilty to a charge of assault.
Judge Tony Walsh said on October 25 a man with a tomahawk went to Rongonui's house, enraged over reports he had verbally abused the man's partner. After abuse and challenges were traded with Rongonui, his son Stacey and one other at the house, the man, a relative, had handed over the tomahawk, but was then chased down the street.
He was caught and repeatedly punched by Rongonui and his associates, the attack stopping only after police used pepper spray and batons to break it up, the judge said. The relative was bruised but did not require medical treatment.
Judge Walsh, who noted Rongonui was convicted of assault in 2008, said he might have felt provoked or even justified given the relative made the initial move, but the situation had had the potential to get out of hand. "Common sense must prevail."
Rongonui was convicted and will be sentenced if called on to do so during the next 12 months. His son Stacey Rongonui, who also pleaded guilty to a count of assault and to a charge of wilful damage, was remanded to re-appear on May 31.
In November, the relative, Lee Rongonui, was sentenced to nine months supervision for possessing an offensive weapon. Earlier Judge Walsh ordered the tomahawk destroyed.