Jail for kicking pregnant wife

A former teacher jailed for assaulting his pregnant wife because she was carrying a girl has been told his cultural beliefs have no place in New Zealand.

Shiu Nadan, 52, was sentenced to 10 months' jail when he appeared before Judge Jocelyn Munro in the Rotorua District Court on Thursday facing domestic violence charges.

The Rotorua resident had previously admitted assaulting his wife, teenage stepdaughter and son on February 8. He also pleaded guilty to a charge of driving while disqualified.

Judge Munro said Nadan's behaviour was unacceptable. She said the fact Nadan had threatened to abort the unborn baby because it wasn't a boy was completely abhorrent.

"There needs to be a very clear message, particularly for people who come from other countries. If you are going to live in this country you live within the law and you can leave these sorts of attitudes behind."

On February 8, when Nadan was drinking at home, he became enraged and got into an argument with his wife. He kicked her in the legs, they argued about her children and he threatened to slit his stepdaughter's throat and hang her up. He also threatened to kill his son from his first marriage, then drove off to buy more beer.

Nadan's lawyer Alastair Burns said Nadan was offended by his stepdaughter's dress and her refusal to be enrolled at school under his name.

Burns asked the court not to jail Nadan, saying he was hopeful of reconciliation. Nadan's first wife died in 2005 and the marriage to his second wife in 2007 was arranged, the court heard. The couple's first child is due to be born next month.

"I ask that you look at this from a cultural perspective," Burns said. "It's a learned behaviour. He's 52, it's not something that can change overnight."

However, Judge Munro said there was no place in New Zealand society for such offending.

Nadan was sentenced to 10 months' jail followed by six months' intensive supervision for assaulting his wife, and three months' for possession of an offensive weapon. He was disqualified from driving for six months on the driving while disqualified charge.

Burns said he would appeal against the sentence.

Hindu Council of New Zealand general secretary Dr Guna Magesan said he strongly condemned any violence against women or children.

He described Nadan's use of his culture as a defence as deplorable.