Man pleads guilty to biting his partner's cheek

A man pushed his partner to the ground and bit her cheek, the court heard.

Ihaia Hipango pleaded guilty in the Whanganui District Court on Tuesday for a charge of assault.

Police prosecutor Steven Butler told the court at 12.24am on September 18 Hipango and the victim were walking home.

The two began discussing their relationship at which point Hipango became upset.

He then pushed the victim who fell to the ground. She got up and attempted to walk away at which point Hipango pushed her to the ground a second time.

The court was told at some point during this altercation he bit the victim on her cheek.

Judge Philip Crayton acknowledged this was the first time the defendant had appeared before the court for a charge of this type.

He said the offence was serious, but any sentencing must be weighed against his possible future.

"It can be done in a way that allows you, as a young man, to move forward."

Hipango was sentenced to 80 hours' community work and 12 months' community supervision.