Tourist basher remanded

The man who attacked an Irish tourist in Westport last month has been convicted at Westport District Court.

Jarrod Whata, 20, of Westport, pleaded guilty to injuring 31-year-old Dubliner Robbie O'Brien with intent.

Prosecutor Mark Harris said Mr O'Brien had been in Westport on April 20 as part of a New Zealand tour.

He went to a bar where he met some local men. They left the bar together and were confronted by a group of young men as they walked along Palmerston Street at 3.30am.

The court was told that one of the youths tried to start a fight with Mr O'Brien, who said he was not interested.

Whata then punched Mr O'Brien once in the head and then kicked him on the ground.

Mr O'Brien required stitches for lacerations to his face.

Whata refused to give police an explanation for his actions.

He was remanded on bail to June 26 for a pre-sentence report.

- NZPA

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