Drunken assault over shoes

Whanganui District Court Photo/File

Dale Tahau was invited over for coffee, but he left his victim's house drunkenly throwing things and demanding shoes.

The 48-year-old, also known as Toi Tahau, assaulted the victim when she told him she didn't have his shoes.

The Whanganui District Court heard this week how Tahau was intoxicated at the victim's home, and said things that made her feel "uncomfortable".

The victim, who had invited him over for coffee, told Tahau to leave, police prosecutor Sergeant Rachel Willemsen said.

Tahau asked for his shoes, but the victim said she didn't have them. Tahau said he would not leave until the victim gave him his shoes.

When he eventually went outside, he threw something through the front window.

While the victim was on the phone to police, Tahau threw a bottle at her.

Police arrived and arrested Tahau, who "just kept repeating that he wanted his shoes".

In an unrelated incident on April 8, Tahau was drinking with another person at his flat when an argument began.

Both people began throwing items around, until a glass panel was smashed, Ms Willemsen said.

When dealt with by police "they both blamed each other".

Tahau pleaded guilty to common assault and two counts of wilful damage.

Defence lawyer Anna Brosnahan said the first victim had suffered no injuries.

She said Tahau had not had any alcohol since the charges were laid against him.

"Things seem to be looking up for him," she said.

Judge Dugald Matheson said he was pleased to hear that the damage to Tahau's flat had been covered by his bond.

"Sitting down and having a few drinks doesn't work with you, does it?" the judge said.

"Keep your nose out of that gin bottle or beer bottle, or whatever it is."

He sentenced Tahau to 80 hours of community work.