100 hours' community work for knife threat

A man who threatened his partner and his cousin with knives was sentenced to 100 hours' community work.

Rihari Eruera Hamiora Laris, 23, was sentenced in Masterton District Court on Thursday on charges of excess breath alcohol, driving while disqualified, threatening to kill, and assault with intent to injure.

Judge Tony Walsh said three of the charges related to an incident in July.

Laris had been drinking at a bar in Masterton, before his partner left with a friend about 2am.

Laris arrived home about 7am when his partner was in bed. She asked him to leave before they had an argument regarding their relationship.

"You grabbed her by the throat with both hands and applied enough force to restrict her breathing," said Judge Walsh.

She had called Laris's cousin over for help and the cousin had attempted to pull Laris away from the woman.

He was confronted by the cousin, who was the second complainant in the case, and gave her a bleeding nose, before he grabbed several knives from the kitchen.

Laris then told the pair the he would kill his partner.

Both victims received multiple injuries.

Judge Walsh said Laris had previous convictions and had blown 660mcg of alcohol per litre of breath while he was disqualified. The legal limit is 400mcg.

"You've expressed regret and apologised to both complainants for your actions," he said.

"They were vulnerable, they can't stand up and protect themselves against someone as strong as you.

"Violence of this sort is unacceptable, no matter what justification you feel at the time."

Laris was sentenced to nine months' supervision and 100 hours of community work for each charge, to be served concurrently. His licence was also disqualified for a further 12 months.