Rotorua man sentenced for violent attack

A Rotorua man severely beat a woman because he was unsatisfied with the drugs she helped him procure, a court has heard.

Clifford Messent, 44, was sentenced at Rotorua District Court today to three years in prison after previously pleading guilty to one charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to injure.

Judge Phillip Cooper said Messent had bought drugs through an associate of the woman the night before the offending happened.

Messent was unsatisfied with the quality of the drugs and grew more agitated when the woman was not able to get his money back from her associate.

In the early hours of February 16, 2015 Messent attacked the woman, who was asleep at the time, dealing multiple blows to her head and chest.

As a result of the attack the woman suffered severe bruising, a collapsed lung and suspected broken ribs.

Messent also threatened to kill the woman if she said anything and refused to let her seek medical help despite being in severe pain.

Judge Cooper said the attack was a serious, violent episode and one Messent showed no remorse for.

He said Messent had numerous previous convictions, many of which were for violent offending.

"The victim's impact statement says as well as enduring physical injuries she has suffered from significant emotional and mental harm.

"It is clear you have a deep seeded streak of violence and have shown no remorse for your crime."