Man admits using cattle prod on girl

A Nelson man who did not want to use his fists against a 15-year-old girl instead shocked her with an electric cattle prod.

Donald Bernard Bull, 18, yesterday pleaded guilty in Nelson District Court to assault with a blunt instrument, along with two unrelated charges, The Nelson Mail reported.

Police prosecutor Chris Stringer said Bull grabbed the girl, whom he knew, during an argument on Waimea Rd on February 4.

The girl lashed out as she tried to free herself, prompting Bull to retrieve a cattle prod from his car, which he pressed into her abdomen for several seconds.

The girl screamed and fell to the ground in pain, while Bull walked off.

"In explanation he stated the victim tried to punch him and he didn't want to hit a girl," Mr Stringer said. "He realised that he may have over-reacted."

The girl was traumatised but uninjured.

Defence lawyer Mark Dollimore said Bull wanted to apologise to the girl.

He was remanded him in custody for sentencing on March 19.

- NZPA