Northlander Josh Williams escapes jail for assault on family members

Josh Williams escaped jail for punching his mother and brother in law in a fit of rage. Photo/Michael Cunningham

A young Northlander is on community detention for punching his mother and brother in law.

Josh Williams, 23, appeared in the Whangārei District Court for sentencing after earlier pleading guilty to two charges of male assaults female and one of injuring with intent to injure.

Judge John McDonald said Williams drove to Mangakahia about 5.15pm on September 7 last year and threatened to kill his brother-in-law while armed with a wooden batten.

His brother-in-law retreated inside the house but Williams went to the front door where his sister attempted to stop him.

He pushed her in a violent manner and when his brother-in-law came to her aid, Williams hit him with the batten.

He punched his mother when she tried to intervene and she fell to the ground.

When his brother-in-law intervened, Willliams punched him several times before leaving the house.

Williams told police his brother-in-law attacked him.

Defence lawyer John Moroney said Williams had pleaded guilty, was a first time offender and had completed a restorative justice programme.

Judge McDonald sentenced him to four months' community detention.