A man who indecently assaulted a child and assaulted three other children was given a lesser sentence due to a brain injury suffered after a lightning strike.

The man pleaded guilty in Blenheim District Court today to charges of indecently assaulting a child under 14 on several occasions, the Marlborough Express reported.

He also admitted to assaulting two children under 11 years old and kicking a child.

All incidents occurred between 2013 and 2015.

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The court heard that the man, who has name suppression, was hit by lightning that affected his brain function, the Marlborough Express reported.

Judge David Ruth said normally a prison sentence would be appropriate for the type of offending, but the Court needed to consider a less restrictive sentence so he could be rehabilitated.

He was sentenced to 12 months' supervision, 100 hours community work, and was to receive counselling, the Marlborough Express reported.