A Masterton couple's attack on two teenagers included head stomping, Masterton District Court heard on Thursday.
Hoana Poutu, 20, a student, and Cohen Waitere-Grant, 18, unemployed, pleaded guilty to assault with intent to injure. Waitere-Grant also faces two separate assault charges which he pleaded guilty to.
On August 3, justbefore 11pm, Waitere-Grant and Poutu were walking along Bannister St, Masterton, arguing. An 18-year-old and her 14-year-old friend were walking along the opposite side of the street, prosecuting sergeant Garry Wilson said.
Waitere-Grant ran across the road yelling gang slogans and tackled the younger teen to the ground. As the other tried to get Waitere-Grant off her friend, Poutu, who believed the victim had been having an affair with Waitere-Grant, punched her twice in the face and she fell to the ground, Mr Wilson said.
While trying to get up Poutu kicked her in the jaw causing her to fall back to the ground, then began kicking her in the head and body. As she curled up in the foetal position, the couple stomped on her head a number of times, causing her head to hit the footpath, causing an abrasion and swelling to her forehead that needed treatment.
Poutu told police she could not remember what happened and was "wasted" at the time. Waitere-Grant denied the assault and said Poutu was the only one involved.
Lawyer Peter Stevens said Poutu had written a letter of apology, was attending an anger management programme, and was remorseful.
Judge Tony Walsh remanded the pair on bail to October 17 for sentencing.
