Shona Maiden (pictured), 46, appeared in the Manukau District Court this evening. Photo / Jason Oxenham
Shona Maiden (pictured), 46, appeared in the Manukau District Court this evening. Photo / Jason Oxenham
A woman charged with assault after claiming she was punched for speaking te reo Maori has been put on a good behaviour bond.
Shona Maiden, 46, appeared in the Manukau District Court this evening.
She had previously pleaded guilty.
Tonight, Judge Charles Blackie told Maiden sentencing would be postponed for12 months and he ordered her to pay $130 in court costs.
Judge Blackie said he did not feel comfortable giving Maiden a custodial sentence - which for a charge of common assault can be up to six months in jail - because the picture of what happened was not clear.
Maiden was charged after CCTV footage showed she had punched a man several times outside the 123 Casino Karaoke Bar in Howick after New Year's Eve celebrations.
The man was also charged with common assault, but had pleaded not guilty.
Before police had seen the bar's CCTV footage, Maiden approached the Herald and other media claiming she had been beaten after speaking te reo.