Show of affection results in serious assault

Whanganui District Court

Conor Bryan Hourigan left his victim bruised and concussed for showing affection towards his sister.

He pleaded guilty to assault with intent to injure when he appeared in the Whanganui District Court on Wednesday.

Judge Philip Crayton said Hourigan had known the victim for some time.

"As a result of the victim's affection towards your sister you became violent. You assaulted him in a manner which cannot be described as anything but a serious assault. You left the victim with serious bruising and injury."

The victim also suffered concussion and was unable to work for a period.

Hourigan's lawyer Anna Brosnahan said he had been up front with police and made changes since the incident.

"Since the offending he's self referred to alcohol and drug counselling. He's very unlikely to be back."

Judge Crayton sentenced Hourigan to six months supervision and ordered him to pay $750 emotional harm reparation.

"I hope this is the only time you are here before the court because for violence like that people go to prison not infrequently."