A Masterton man has been warned if he does not take advantage of a sentence given to him he will be setting himself up for further trouble.
Eddie Crozier, 22, appeared for sentencing in the Masterton District Court on last Friday on charges of assault, threatening conduct, breach of community work and breach of release conditions. In sentencing him to 200 hours community work and nine months supervision, Judge Anthony Walsh noted Crozier had 16 previous convictions, including for aggravated robbery and assault.
"You're accumulating convictions at a fast rate, given their seriousness and number," Judge Walsh said.
The court heard that last December Crozier assaulted a man who had gone into his bedroom and woken him up to discuss outstanding rent. Sergeant Garry Wilson said a row had developed and Crozier punched the man in the head, rendering him unconscious. Later the same day Crozier had had another row with the man, whom he had hit in the eye.
In June this year Crozier had had an argument with his girlfriend, Mr Wilson said, that resulted in him punching a fist-sized hole in a door.
