Final warning' for unprovoked assault in street

A 24-year-old man who was convicted for a fourth time for an unprovoked assault was yesterday sentenced to six months' community detention, ordered to pay $1380 in reparation and warned that he was on his "final warning" when he appeared in Masterton District Court.

Sheldon Dean Hokianga, furniture removal worker, of Masterton, had pleaded guilty and was represented by Peter Stevens.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Garry Wilson said Hokianga was in The Square, Martinborough, on November 20 at 7.15pm during the Toast Martinborough Wine and Food Festival when he approached the victim and struck him on the side of the head with his fist in an unprovoked attack.

Judge Mary O'Dwyer described the assault as an "unprovoked attack on a member of the public".

Police said the victim was knocked unconscious by the punch and fell to the ground where he remained unconscious for about three minutes. He was subsequently hospitalised and treated for his injuries.

When spoken to by police the defendant, who has previously appeared before the courts, had offered no explanation for his actions.

The victim had to have his clothes cut from him in the ambulance and he sought reparation for one week's lost wages.

Judge O'Dwyer said that she had seriously considered sending Hokianga to jail, however, she decided to give him one last chance to get his life in order.

She sentenced Hokianga to six months' community detention, ordered him to pay $1380 reparation in $20 weekly instalments and imposed a home curfew on Hokianga for set hours each day over seven days a week.

She warned him that should he breach any of his bail conditions he would be going to prison.

"This is your final warning," Judge O'Dwyer said.