School rugby coach convicted for assault

Ngarimu Simpkins (left) and his father Miroa Simpkins were sentenced today in Rotorua District Court. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

Rotorua Boys' High School's head of rugby has failed in his bid to escape conviction for assaulting three teenagers.

Robert Ngarimu Simpkins was sentenced today in the Rotorua District Court after previously pleading guilty to four charges of assault.

He was ordered to pay emotional harm reparation totalling $1250 to two of his three young victims.

Through his lawyer, Max Simpkins, Ngarimu Simpkins, a former Bay of Plenty Steamers hooker, sought to be discharged without conviction, citing a conviction would pose risk to his current and future employment.

His father, Robert Miroa Simpkins, was also sentenced today for two charges of assault. He was ordered to pay one victim $250 in emotional harm reparation.

The pair chased and assaulted the three teens in January last year after one of the boys stole a pair of shoes from outside their Ngongotaha home.

During the incident, Ngarimu Simpkins pinned one on the ground and punched him in the head more than once.

He also kicked or punched the boy in the stomach and later punched one of the boys in the face, knocking him to the ground.

Two boys were taken to hospital where they were treated for injuries. A third boy was uninjured but shaken.

The Rotorua Daily Post has approached Rotorua Boys' High School for comment and is awaiting a response.