Marriage proposal follows beating, court hears

A Masterton man who proposed to his partner after beating her has been convicted of assaulting her.

Jason Daniel Urlich, 39, pleaded guilty in the Masterton District Court on Thursday to a charge of assault.

A police summary of facts said that on June 30 Urlich's partner ended their relationship because she felt he was too controlling. On July 3 she was staying at a friend's house in Masterton believing Urlich did not know her whereabouts but that night Urlich had arrived at the address and had been drinking.

The occupant of the house had let him inside, against the wishes of the woman.

Urlich had demanded money from her, but she said she had already spent her money on groceries and a cellphone.

While she was seated in the lounge Urlich had punched her in her left eye and several times to her head and face.

The woman had tried to escape through the back door, but found it was locked. Urlich had followed her and had punched and kicked her while she sat on the floor.

Once he had stopped he had told her he was sorry and asked if she would marry him.

The woman had suffered severe contusions to her head, face, left eye, left shoulder and arm, and right leg.

Defence lawyer Louise Elder said Urlich disputed some aspects of the assault as recorded in the summary of facts.

Ms Elder said Urlich disputed kicking the woman "but there obviously was an assault by him and he takes responsibility".

She said Urlich was affected by alcohol. Ms Elder said the two were still together.

Judge Tony Walsh said he was satisfied a sentence of supervision would help prevent Urlich using violence in the future.

Judge Walsh said despite the complainant not sustaining any serious injuries the potential was always there.

"Sometimes people get killed.

"From now on you can't resort to violence - fullstop."

He sentenced Urlich to nine months' supervision.