Man blamed wife for gambling losses

Ngaro Hohepa Kennedy blamed his partner and punched her in the mouth. Ngaro Hohepa Kennedy, 35, pleaded guilty in Masterton District Court last week to assault and threatening behaviour.

After losing a large sum of money gambling, Ngaro Hohepa Kennedy blamed his partner and punched her in the mouth.

The 35-year-old pleaded guilty to assault and threatening behaviour when he appeared before Judge Pat Grace in Masterton District Court last week.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Garry Wilson said about 1am on February 1 Kennedy arrived home after a night of drinking and losing $1500.

His partner was in bed and he woke her "blaming her" he had lost the money, Mr Wilson said.

"With a closed fist he punched her in the mouth and then punched a hole in the bedroom wall."

Defence lawyer James Elliott told the court the couple had two young children and the woman had since moved to Taupo.

He said the court would be helped by a drug and alcohol report as his client had "substance abuse" issues.

Judge Grace said he was concerned Kennedy might have a gambling problem.

"What I'm concerned about is the substance abuse and the substantial amount of money he lost."

Kennedy was remanded on bail for a pre-sentence report and sentencing on May 22.