Man who assaulted partner convicted

An Eketahuna man who assaulted his partner, intentionally damaged thousands of dollars worth of property and was in possession of cannabis was sentenced to nine months supervision and directed to pay more than $2000 in reparation yesterday.

Sergeant Garry Wilson, prosecuting, told Judge Tony Walsh in the Masterton District Court that Adrian James Ihaka had been in a relationship with the victim for about 12 months.

On the morning of January 19 the defendant was at the victim's house in Eketahuna when he slapped her after an argument.

After a number of hours apart, the victim picked up Ihaka and brought him back to her house. She then went to a friend's house while Ihaka went to the local pub at about 8pm.

Sergeant Wilson said the defendant returned about 11pm and the argument which had begun earlier in the day recommenced.

Ihaka told the victim she was a bad mother and she shouldn't have access to her children. He then punched her suddenly once in the head.

The victim made an excuse to go to the toilet with the intention of escaping, however Ihaka kicked open the bathroom door, grabbed her by the hair and continued to punch her several times around her head and body.

Ihaka also smashed two television sets, several glass doors and windows in the property. At that time his partner was hiding in her yard behind some bushes.

A few days after the attack Ihaka was found by police at the victim's address. A glass jar with three and a half point bags of cannabis was also found which Ihaka admitted belonged to him.

As a result of the assault the victim received bruising to her head, hand and torso. She was treated at the Palmerston North Hospital.

In his explanation to police Ihaka said that he had been angry with the victim. He pleaded guilty and was convicted on all three charges.

He was also sentenced to 150 hours community work and directed to complete alcohol and drug and family violence counselling.

Judge Tony Walsh made reference to a probation report on Ihaka prior to sentencing. "The probation report says an escalation in your behaviour is linked to your inability to control your use of alcohol," he said. "You need to learn from this incident. You obviously had too much to drink which impaired your judgment. There could have been very serious consequences for you and the victim."