Judge Greg Davis said there was no evidence the girl was causing trouble in the area. Photo / Thinkstock
Judge Greg Davis said there was no evidence the girl was causing trouble in the area. Photo / Thinkstock
A man who chased and assaulted a 13-year-old girl and accused her of causing trouble has been ordered to complete 150 hours' community work.
Stephen Russell, 52, pleaded guilty to a charge of assaulting a child and breach of bail. He appeared for sentencing in Whangarei District Court last week.
The victim was walking with her 13-year-old friend along Tamure Place, Ruakaka, on August 11 last year when they went to a house and asked its owner for permission to pick up oranges.
While picking oranges, the girls heard a man talking to the house owner in a voice that concerned them.
The girls climbed over a fence to run away but Russell chased and caught up with the victim. He then held her around her neck and began abusing her.
Judge Greg Davis said there was no evidence the girl was causing trouble in the area. He said Russell had no right to take the law into his own hands by assaulting a young girl.
After the sentencing, Russell attempted to speak but the judge warned him he could be cited for contempt of court if he opened his mouth.
