Man threw water on partner

Tossing a litre of cold water over his partner helped land a Masterton man in hot water in Masterton District Court on Wednesday.

Hayden Oscar Polden, 25, unemployed, was convicted of assault on a female and sentenced to nine months' supervision.

He had pleaded guilty and was also ordered to attend a stopping violence course and to have drug and alcohol treatment.

Prosecutor Sergeant Garry Wilson said that on Boxing Day last year an argument had ensued between Polden and his partner over visitors to the house.

Polden had thrown a litre of cold water over the woman while she was seated and when she stood to confront him had slapped her on the cheek, then pushed her down on a sofa and held her by pinning her arms.

The woman had not suffered injuries.

Defence solicitor James Elliot said Polden had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and did not dispute the facts.

He said Polden had been drinking during the day of the assault and recognised he had acted "impulsively and inappropriately".

"This appears to have been a one-off incident as far as violence is concerned," Mr Elliot said.

Judge Tony Walsh said the incident "had the potential to get out of hand".

He said Polden had three "excess alcohol convictions" and had appeared last June on a charge of common assault.

Judge Walsh said according to a victim's impact report Polden was a "great guy and a great dad to his son" but when he drank alcohol and got angry he took out his anger on his partner.

A protection order was issued against Polden in respect to the complainant.

Judge Walsh said should Polden come back to court again charged with a violent offence, "other sentencing options will be looked at".