Man caught organising prostitute attacks partner

File photo / NZ Herald

A man who punched his partner numerous times in the face after she caught him seemingly arranging to use a prostitute has been sentenced to 75 hours' community work.

Aaron Lee Fergusson, 31, appeared in Wanganui District Court and was convicted of assaulting a female.

In the early hours of December 10 last year, Fergusson was moderately intoxicated, having been out drinking with friends.

He was at home with his partner when she saw some text messages on his cellphone, indicating he was arranging to use a prostitute.

The pair began to argue heatedly, which escalated into Fergusson punching the woman in the face, around the nose and mouth, five or six times.

She managed to get away from him, locking herself in the bathroom where she called 111.

She suffered swelling and soreness to her nose and mouth area, and was bleeding substantially from the nose. She was taken to Wanganui Hospital to be examined.

When police put the allegations to him, Fergusson said they were "b******t''.

Fergusson's counsel, Peter Brosnahan, said Fergusson and the victim were in contact and the only reason they were not back together was because of a non-association clause in his bail terms.

Judge Dugald Matheson called the incident an "unhappy situation'' which had caused considerable stress to Fergusson's living arrangements.

The victim had contacted the court saying she would like the relationship to continue, and would like to get on to counselling, but the bail condition was preventing that process.

She requested a protection order, which was granted. Part of the terms of the order require Fergusson to attend a stopping violence programme.

Judge Matheson explained to Fergusson the order did not mean that they could not reconcile, simply that if the victim started to struggle with his behaviour she could call the authorities.

"She's the boss now. I say that in jest, but it's important you know if she says out you go, you go.'