Jail for attacks on wife, mother

File photo / NZ Herald

A man who punched and stomped on his mother, and attacked his wife, both of whom had protection orders against him, was jailed today.

Justin James Taia, 38, was sentenced at Christchurch District Court after being convicted of assaulting his mother with intent to injure her, assaulting his wife, and two charges of breaching protection orders.

Defence counsel Clayton Williams said Taia had mental health issues, and was diagnosed as bipolar. He suffered from anxiety and depression and wanted to be stabilised with medication.

He used alcohol to block out painful aspects of his life but was undergoing counselling which was progressing well.

He was sincerely remorseful and ashamed, Mr Williams said.

Judge John Strettell said these were Taia's 12th and 13th assault charges and his sixth and seventh breaches of protection orders.

He said Taia had a real anger problem.

He had an argument with his wife and held her down after throwing a phone at her. He placed his hands around her neck and only stopped when she apologised to him, Judge Strettell said.

He argued with his mother and punched her and stomped on her when she fell. He then punched her four or five times in the face.

The judge said Taia had now acknowledged his mental health problem and for the first time was receiving treatment.

He sentenced him to 18 months imprisonment, with release conditions to attend counselling programmes and treatment as recommended by his probation officer.

- NZPA