Teenager pleads guilty to assault with an orange

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A Wanganui teen has admitted assaulting his ex-partner's mother with an orange.

Kaiera Patea, 19, student, appeared in the Whanganui District Court today charged with assault with a blunt instrument, which was amended to assault.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Drew Allison told the court Patea was arguing with the mother of his former partner on October 6. She threw a stick at him and Patea responded by throwing several kiwifruit at her, which missed.

He then threw an orange which hit the victim's face, leaving her with juice and flesh on her face and in her hair.

"The victim said she was 'very sore' at first but suffered no lasting injuries," Mr Allison said.

"When spoken to by police Mr Patea said he had not meant to hit her."

Duty solicitor Stephanie Burlace said police had suggested restorative justice, which she agreed with, and that the summary of facts made it clear Patea was assaulted first.

Judge Gregory Ross said materials given to him made it clear neither the victim nor her daughter wanted anything else to do with Patea.

After reading Patea's list of previous convictions Judge Ross requested Ms Burlace "tell me something good about him", to which Ms Burlace said the facts spoke for themselves.

Judge Ross discharged Patea without conviction and ordered him to pay $130 in court costs.

He also ordered Patea to make a donation of $150 to the Salvation Army.