Man punches neighbour three times for comments about his wife

A judge in the Whanganui District Court has recommended restorative justice for two neighbours involved in an assault case. Photo / File

A Whanganui man who punched his neighbour three times for "talking smack" about his wife has landed himself in court for assault.

Addolphus Dolphy Kohu pleaded guilty to common assault when he appeared in the Whanganui District Court on Tuesday.

The police prosecutor, Senior Constable Graham Hoskin, said that on Sunday January 28, about 12.20pm, Kohu entered into a dispute with his neighbour over a shared driveway.

"The victim was sitting in the car and [Kohu] opened the car door and punched the victim three times, hitting him on the left side of his head."

The explanation Kohu gave police and Judge Dugald Matheson was that he was really offended by what the victim had said about his wife.

Judge Matheson said he thought the case would be a good opportunity for restorative justice.

"[Restorative justice] is a process we use in Whanganui that has proved effective and has a major impact on the judge's determination on what happens next.

"You need to go to restorative justice so you and your neighbour can work out how you can live next to each other in peace," the judge told Kohu.

He convicted Kohu and remanded him on bail for sentencing on March 27.