Landlord must deal with anger after assault

A 62-year-old Masterton man who threatened his lodger with a carving knife and told him "I'm going to kill you," was convicted of assault in Masterton District Court yesterday.

Andrew Vincent Montaperto pleaded guilty to two domestic assault charges arising out of the incident at the home he shared with his wife and the boarder on November 21, 2012.

At 8.25pm Montaperto began arguing with his boarder in the living room. As the bickering intensified Montaperto picked up a carving knife from a table and raised it over the head of the lodger, who was sitting in an armchair. He told him, "I'm going to kill you", before putting the knife down and punching the lodger who sustained a sore jaw and tenderness to his face.

When spoken to by police Montaperto admitted the facts as outlined and said he believed if he hadn't acted, his lodger he would have "got him".

Lawyer Peter Stevens said Montaperto and his wife were on a joint sickness benefit and money was tight, which was why they had taken in a lodger.

Mr Stevens said Montaperto had pleaded guilty at the earliest possible opportunity. He was aware the victim would like to see Montaperto receive anger management treatment.

Judge Tony Walsh said Montaperto had an issue with anger which must be rectified.

He imposed a sentence of six months supervision. "The purpose of that is so you can address your issues because if you don't I will take appropriate action."

Judge Walsh ordered Montaperto to pay court costs of $138.