Lunch row led to attack

A dispute over going to work without lunch ended with a Masterton man assaulting his heavily-pregnant girlfriend.

Nicholas Colin Wirihana Paku, 21, pleaded guilty of assault in Masterton District Court on Thursday.

Prosecuting Sergeant Jodie Lawrence said on July 11 Paku and his partner were at their home in Masterton when an argument broke out.

His partner, who was 34 weeks pregnant, woke Paku just before 6am to tell him he needed to get ready for work. Paku said he was not going as there was nothing for lunch.

His girlfriend threw a bottle of juice on the bed but missed Paku. In retaliation Paku got up, pushed her on to the bed and punched her at least five times to the left side of her head. He grabbed her in a bear hug before letting her go to get a drink.

When she returned Paku pushed her back into the bedroom, on to the bed and punched her again. He then leant towards her and bit her on the bottom lip.

The woman suffered redness and tenderness to her head and a cut to her lip.

Defence lawyer Louise Elder said Paku accepted the assault took place but denied biting her on the lip.

Ms Elder said Paku will be attending a stopping family violence programme this month.

She said a protection order was in place but "there is a baby due any day".

Judge Tony Walsh said Paku had a previous conviction and had appeared in March 2011 on a charge of assault.

Judge Walsh said the assault was of particular concern as the woman was pregnant.

"You are about to become a father, this type of violence is totally unacceptable ... if she had suffered a really serious injury, or you had killed her, you would have had to live with that for the rest of your life."

He sentenced Paku to nine months' supervision and 60 hours' community work.