Broken toy leads to assault charge

In Masterton District Court yesterday Bodean Kris Rogers, 32, pleaded guilty to a charge of common assault. PHOTO/FILE

A "storm in a teacup" argument over a broken toy has seen a Masterton man sentenced to nine months supervision.

In Masterton District Court yesterday Bodean Kris Rogers, 32, pleaded guilty to a charge of common assault.

Last year the victim, Rogers' brother-in-law, had moved to Masterton to spend time with his sister's family as he needed support with his young son.

On October 23, 2015, both Rogers and his brother-in-law were at home when an argument broke out over some property being damaged.

Rogers confronted the victim and challenged him to a fight in the hallway of the house. Rogers then punched him in the face, causing him to fall to the ground before punching him around the head another eight to ten times.

Roger's lawyer, James Elliott, said the argument broke out over a broken electronic toy or game and was a "storm in a teacup".

There had been some friction during the victim's stay at the house as Rogers believed his brother-in-law was abusing his hospitality, Mr Elliot said.

"Unfortunately it came to blows which never should have occurred."

His client had entered a guilty plea at the first opportunity, he said.

Addressing Rogers in sentencing, Judge Barbara Morris said he could only be described as having "lost it". "You hit him around the head a number of times so that he received a bleeding nose."

However, the assault was out of character for Rogers, who had not appeared before the court for 10 years, she said. Judge Morris sentenced Rogers to nine months supervision and ordered him to attend anger management and counselling.