A man who violently assaulted his partner and son while high on synthetic cannabis has avoided a jail sentence.
Albert Edward Ratima, 40, appeared in the Napier District Court today to be sentenced on charges of assault, injuring with intent to injure and breaching a protection order.
A summary of facts said that on July 21 last year Ratima was drinking and smoking synthetic cannabis at his home in Hastings when he became involved in an argument with his partner.
Ratima became enraged as accusations were thrown back and forth and punched his partner twice in the face, fracturing her nose.
He then picked up a 30cm filleting knife off the bench and pressed it against her shoulder, puncturing her skin and requiring her to seek medical treatment.
An associate drove the victim to a nearby medical centre and Ratima followed in another car.