Alcohol led to assault on girlfriend

An 18-year-old man pleaded guilty to assault when he appeared in the Masterton District Court on Thursday.

According to police, on May 4 the defendant, Joshua Lee Hutchings, unemployed, and his girlfriend had been walking home from a friend's house when they got into a heated argument.

Hutchings pushed the woman against a fence, and pinned her by her arms, until he was confronted by a nearby resident.

The woman ran down a driveway telling Hutchings to leave her alone. He followed her, grabbed her around the waist and pulled her away from the address.

Hutchings raised his hand over his head as though he was about to strike her and she fell to the ground. He then sat on her with his arm raised in an attempt to threaten her.

Defence lawyer Ian Hard said Hutchings wanted to take responsibility for his actions.

"He's already arranged counselling for himself," Mr Hard said.

He said Hutchings' girlfriend stands by him and that the assault did not result in any serious injury.

Judge Tony Walsh sentenced Hutchings to nine months' supervision with a special condition that he attend and complete alcohol and drug counselling and treatment.

"You've got a problem with alcohol. You need to face up to that. If you don't, you are going to get yourself into more trouble," Judge Walsh said.