Suspended sentence for man who bashed wife

File photo / NZ Herald

Kawerau dairy owner Dharmen Singh, 39, has been given a suspended sentence after pleading guilty to assaulting his wife of 11 years.

Singh appeared in the Whakatane District Court last week before Judge Paul Geoghegan and pleaded guilty to a charge of male assaults female.

Police prosecutor Chris Howard said on February 18 the pair were at the rear of their store, in the eastern Bay of Plenty, preparing for a trip to Auckland.

The victim asked for help folding a pushchair and putting it in the back of the car but Singh said he was too busy.

Mr Howard told the court Singh punched her once to the head, pushed her over and kicked her in the back.

When police spoke to him he said he only pushed her and denied punching or kicking her.

She suffered cuts, grazes and bruises.

Lawyer Julia Law said the family had no history of domestic violence and the couple wanted to move on from the incident and continue their relationship.

Her client regretted his actions as soon as they happened and felt ashamed, Ms Law said.

She suggested a fine and an emotional harm reparation order, and a protection order.

Judge Geoghegan said a fine would be "robbing Peter to pay Paul" and gave him a 12-month suspended sentence.

If Singh came before the courts on another charge in that time he could be sentenced on the domestic violence charge as well.

"This is appalling behaviour on your part.

"In our community we have a significant problem with violence perpetrated by men against women.

"However, any sentence of community work may impact on the victim perhaps more than you."

The judge also ordered a protection order for the victim.

- NZPA