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Former Taranaki rugby representative Mark Jay Stewart has escaped a jail sentence for breaking his fiancee's jaw thanks to her plea to a judge.
In New Plymouth District Court yesterday, Stewart was given 200 hours' community work for the attack that left Katherine Alex Lepper unconscious, the Taranaki Daily News reported.
Stewart was charged with injuring with intent after attacking on his then-fiancee at former Taranaki captain Paul Tito's wedding reception on May 31.
Miss Lepper suffered a broken jaw, a black eye, bruising to her cheek and lips, as well as whiplash, dislocated teeth and a broken tooth after being punched in the face by Stewart after the pair had argued.
Stewart admitted the attack to police but could not give an explanation for why he had done it.
Despite her extensive injuries, Miss Lepper told the court that she did not want her former fiancee sent to jail.
The court was told also that Stewart had paid his victim $5000 and undertaken to have voluntary counselling.
- NZPA
