Whanganui neighbour war ends up in court

A Whanganui brawl between neighbours ended with an assaulted police officer but context is key, says defence lawyer.

Vanessa Sturzaker, 26, pleaded guilty to three charges of assault; one common assault, one assault against a person with a blunt instrument and one for assaulting a police officer.

On Tuesday in the Whanganui District Court defence lawyer Anna Brosnahan said it was a serious offence but there was context to it in terms of the environment and the element of self-defence.

Judge Philip Crayton said diversion had been offered to Sturzaker but was no longer available.

"It is unfortunate diversion is no longer able to take place due to your no attendance when required."

He said it was an unusual set of circumstances where Sturzaker became aggravated with her neighbour and struck at that person with a blunt object three times.

"When police arrived you struck at the officer. I accept that was not your intention but the assault did take place," Judge Crayton said.

Ms Brosnahan said Sturzaker had a lack of ability that got herself into that situation where she becomes a victim and suggested supervision as an appropriate sentence.

"She doesn't have a car and she is living on her own [in Castlecliff] and fails to appear in court as a result. She also has ongoing health problems," Ms Brosnahan said.

Judge Philip Crayton convicted Sturzaker and sentenced her to nine months of supervision.

"I hope you can get yourself an address in a more supported environment. I'm going to assist that by imposing nine months' supervision to get you in that supportive environment.

"It's up to you whether you take this opportunity," Judge Crayton said.