A Rotorua 18-year-old who assaulted an Australian TV reporter has applied to be discharged without conviction.
Tristan Barker appeared for sentencing in the Rotorua District Court today after pleading guilty to assault last month.
Barker admitted assaulting Today Tonight reporter Dave Eccleston in Rotorua in March. The reporter was in New Zealand to interview the teenager about his online activity.
Barker -whose father Michael is a former drummer for Split Enz - has drawn attention in Australia and New Zealand for his online posts. He has hundreds of thousands of teenage "fans" who read his Facebook and Twitter posts.
His lawyer Bill Lawson made the application to Judge Maree McKenzie in court today and a decision is expected on Friday.
