Tourists jailed for street attack

Photo / Supplied

Two young European backpackers were given a short, sharp shock for the booze-fuelled beating of a man in Queenstown - two weeks in jail, deportation and a stern message from the sentencing judge.

Jesper Moe Jensen, 21, from Denmark, and Frank Johan Stoel, 20, from the Netherlands, appeared at Queenstown District Court yesterday, admitting assault with intent to injure.

The court heard that Mark Alexander Hansen was walking in Shotover St at 4.17am on April 4 when Stoel charged and punched and kicked him. Jensen also punched him.

Mr Hansen fell to the ground where he was kicked in the chest and punched several times more in the head before Stoel aimed six full-armed swings at him. His injuries included a swollen upper lip and a scratch above an eye.

In court yesterday, Judge Dominic Flatley said he had to ask if fines and reparations were adequate for alcohol-fuelled assaults by overseas visitors.

"I don't understand why young people of good character from overseas come to New Zealand, go out, get drunk and then beat other people up."

Perhaps it was time for the court to "up the ante" as someone was going to get seriously injured, or killed, Judge Flatley said.

He said he considered the need to denounce the conduct and deter others from committing the same offence. He also considered both defendants' youth and nationality.

Jensen and Stoel should return home and their impact on the New Zealand taxpayer should be limited. However, the "short, sharp shock" of a brief sentence of imprisonment for both of them and the message it sent was appropriate, the judge said.

"It's a privilege to travel and work in New Zealand, but young people like you are ruining the reputation of Queenstown, which is supposed to be renowned for its beauty."

Defence counsel Steven Rollo said Jensen's culpability was less, as he threw one punch which connected with the victim. Jensen had a "brain explosion" and had no recollection of why he hit Mr Hansen, Mr Rollo said. He was extremely intoxicated and was now remorseful.

Jensen's brother was killed while serving in the Danish military in Afghanistan two years ago. The defendant suffered from depression.

Stoel's lawyer, Phena Byrne, said the attack was completely out of character for the "polite, gentle man".

Jensen and Stoel were sentenced to one month in prison each and were to serve 14 days. Both were ordered to pay reparation of $500 for emotional harm.