The identify of a 22-year-old yesterday convicted and sentenced for an unprovoked coward's punch that broke his victim's nose nearly two years ago remains suppressed.
The Hawke's Bay man appeared for sentencing in the Napier District Court after pleading guilty to injuring with reckless disregard for the safety of his victim and wilful damage.
His defence lawyer Matthew Phelps unsuccessfully argued for a discharge without conviction in light of his client's age, maturity and the effect a conviction would have on his ability to pursue a career abroad.
"It never ceases to amaze me how young people find ways of getting themselves into trouble," Phelps said.
On the night of April 26, 2016, in Hastings, his client was at a party when he became paranoid a ute was following him.