Detention after bottle attack

A forestry worker who responded to a push with a bottle to the side of the face, was convicted in Masterton District Court this week of assault with intent to injure.

Hamuera Joe Paku, 23, was sentenced to six months community detention, with a curfew from 7pm to 5am, and 150 hours community work.

Paku had also pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis and two breaches of supervision.

Judge Jan Kelly said on March 29 at 1.15am, Paku had been standing outside a bar in Masterton with others.

He had been drinking and was "heavily intoxicated", when he became "upset by what you believed to be a racist gesture" from someone.

When Paku had asked the person about it, the person said he had been "talking to a friend", and pushed Paku.

Paku had then hit the person on the side of the head. He suffered a small cut and declined medical attention.

Paku's lawyer, Susie Barnes, said it was a "reflexive action". Judge Kelly said Paku could have killed the victim had the bottle smashed.