The mother of a Merivale man who died the day after he was hit over the head with a piece of fence paling is disgusted her son's attacker has only been jailed for a year.
Mihaka Ratahi, 22, who earlier admitted assault with a blunt instrument on Merivale father Lance Scullin, unlawful assembly, driving with an excess breath alcohol, and driving while forbidden, was sentenced in Tauranga District Court yesterday.
He was also sentenced in relation to two charges of failing to give his details to police
Along with the jail sentence, Ratahi was disqualified from driving for six months.
Ratahi attacked Mr Scullin outside his Kesteven Rd, Merivale home on November 30 last year after he came to the aid of another man involved in a confrontation with gang members.