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A man who attacked his partner's teenage son during a car trip has been sentenced to three months' home detention.
David Bloxham, 40, beneficiary, pleaded guilty last month to assault.
The Tauranga District Court was told Bloxham was a front seat passenger in a car being driven by his partner driving with her 13-year-old son in the back on March 27.
Bloxham got angry with the boy and, turning around, punched the teenager several times in the upper body.
When the victim raised his knees to protect himself from the blows he was punched repeatedly in the legs. The upset youth was then grabbed by his shirt, which was ripped beyond repair.
Judge Ian Thomas said there had been no lasting injuries and the offence was at the lower end of the scale.
However, Bloxham had two previous convictions for assault, both involving family members.
The judge imposed special conditions for six months after home detention ended, to help the defendant learn more appropriate ways of managing his behaviour.
- NZPA
