Fight over child ended in court

Masterton man Trevor Cecil Jury, 41, pleaded guilty to two counts of breaching a protection order.

When Trevor Cecil Jury's partner was heavily drinking on Crate Day he became concerned about her unattended toddler and they soon got into an argument as he tried to leave with the child so she punched him, his lawyer has told the court.

Appearing before Judge Barbara Morris recently, the 41-year-old Masterton man pleaded guilty to two breaches of a protection order.

His lawyer Louise Elder said Jury's then partner had been drinking next door all day while the toddler wandered between the two properties.

Jury tried to leave with the child but she took his car keys so he picked up the child and walked off, Ms Elder said.

"She was agitated. She followed him to the car. She ended up punching him.

"He was trying to do the right thing and protect this child ... he has not offered violence."

The pair had since broken up and Jury was undergoing a stopping violence programme with a counsellor, which was helping, she said.

"He has taken responsible steps ... he's much more settled now."

Judge Morris convicted Jury on the charges and ordered he pay $600 reparation to his victim and sentenced him to a 12-month suspended sentence.