A forestry worker has been found guilty of assaulting his partner and trying to hit her with a claw hammer.
Ashley Taylor, 25, of Masterton was convicted of assaulting with intent to injure and assault using a weapon after a defended hearing in Masterton District Court on Wednesday.
He was bailed until November 27, when he will be sentenced in Wellington District Court.
Taylor, represented by Jock Blathwayt, had pleaded not guilty to both charges relating to assaults on his then partner, Kristie Ann Riddell, in Masterton late last year.
Judge Denys Barry said the claw hammer could "indisputably" be classed as a weapon and he rejected a claim of self-defence, convicting Taylor on both charges.
