The assaulted man suffered what the judge described as a “serious beating” at the hands of the co-accused Eden Joseph Walker. Kirkpatrick allegedly contributed by delivering about three blows to the wounded man as he tried to escape the house.
The man’s injuries included a gash to the head, which required five stitches.
The judge noted the pattern beginning to emerge in his offending and warned him to moderate his drinking or risk increasingly tougher sentences.
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Hemiona Piripi Hamiora Tupou, 19, pleaded guilty to assault and disorderly behaviour. He was sentenced to 100 hours community work.
The charges related to an incident in which Tupou, intoxicated, enticed members of the public to a fight. Police were called.
Counsel Bryan Webby said Tupou had since gained employment and his partner was expecting a baby.
Judge Warren Cathcart noted Tupou’s previous relevant convictions for assault and disorderly behaviour.
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Bruce Pickford, 36, orchard worker, pleaded guilty to driving while his licence was suspended for the third or subsequent time. He was remanded on bail for a report and sentence on February 25. The report will canvass suitability for an electronically-monitored sentence.
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Peter McGee, 31, pleaded not guilty to indecent assault of a woman aged over 16 but guilty to theft, assault and using a document to obtain a pecuniary advantage.
He was further remanded on bail for a judge-alone trial on April 18 on the indecency charge.
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Mason Jessey Hoepo, 24, pleaded guilty to assaulting a female and was further remanded on bail for a dispute of fact hearing and sentence on April 4. The report will canvass his suitability for an electronically-monitored option.
Judge Cathcart noted Hoepo’s previous relevant convictions included one for aggravated robbery.
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Reg Johnson, 18, pleaded guilty to assaulting a male complainant but not guilty to assaulting a female and threatening to kill. He was remanded for a judge-alone trial on April 4 when he will also be sentenced for the assault charge.
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Damien Carlton Smith, 41, pleaded guilty to speaking threateningly and wilful damage. He was sentenced to 80 hours community work.
The charges related to a domestic incident. No reparation was sought for the damage.
Counsel Melanie Tarsau said the couple had now moved on from the incident and wanted to put the matter behind them.
Judge Cathcart said the threatening comment made by Smith was troubling and not a matter he took lightly. Smith had relevant prior convictions. He was fortunate to still be in the relationship.
For a breach of bail, which Smith also admitted, he was convicted and discharged.
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Kupa Farquar Simpson, 23, stevedore, admitted two charges of driving while disqualified, each third or subsequent offences, and failing to give details. He was further remanded on bail for sentence in the Tauranga District Court on January 14.
Judge Cathcart noted the charges had been around for several months. Simpson’s file was beginning to show the hallmarks of someone who had pleaded guilty but was trying to evade sentence by seeking to have the matters continuously transferred.
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