By Anne-Marie Emerson
The audience at a heavy metal gig in Majestic Square on Saturday may have been surprised by a request for donations to Victim Support.
The gig, which featured local bands Omen and Pariah, was the brainchild of Pariah guitarist John Little, as a creative way of fulfilling his community service requirements.
Earlier this year 23-year-old Mr Little was charged after assaulting a man while he was drunk so drunk he can't remember the incident.
In court, he was given strict bail conditions including paying reparation to his victim and being banned from drinking alcohol and ordered to undergo restorative justice.
"I met with the guy and apologised to him, and I had to do community service as part of the restorative justice programme.
"I suggested my band could raise money for Victim Support to count for my community service."
The judge agreed, and Saturday's gig was the first of two to raise money for Victim Support. The second will be held next Saturday.
Mr Little said he wasn't sure how much money the gig had raised.
"But there were a lot of people here; it was packed. "So, hopefully, we got some decent money."
Sue Anderson, who co-ordinates the Wanganui restorative justice programme, was full of praise for Mr Little's fundraising scheme.
"I think it's a fabulous idea. The judge liked it, even the victim was happy with the idea.
"It's a public and creative way of righting a wrong."
Mr Little said he has definitely learned a lesson from his experience.
"Getting drunk and violent doesn't pay."
PICTURED: Pariah performs at Majestic Square on Saturday lunchtime to raise money for Victim Support. From left: John Little, Leon Calver, Ryan Calver, Denvar Potaka [obscured] and Koert Wegman
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
Latest from Whanganui Chronicle
Son held ram in headlock and called for help after finding it killed parents
The son went searching for his parents after he couldn't find them in their home.