Punched ref returns as attacker faces sanction
A Manawatu rugby referee who was viciously assaulted by a player after a club match is back on the park.
Paul Van Deventer was hit in the face by Freyberg Bs player Pama Paisami after a match against the Linton Army Bs at Linton Military Camp.
Van Deventer suffered a broken nose, needed stitches for a cut and had a headache.
Manawatu Rugby Referees’ Association president Dylan Earle said Van Deventer was ‘‘back enjoying refereeing’’.
He said Van Deventer had refereed a couple of matches since he was punched at July’s game.
Paisami, a Manawatu club rugby player who’s already copped a life ban from the game, is unlikely to go to prison for the assault.
The 27-year-old labourer’s ‘‘good job’’ has counted in his favour, a Palmerston North District Court judge said on Tuesday.
"Jail may be the start point, but, in my view, would not be the end point,’’ Judge Gerard Lynch told him.
‘‘You are in a good job, and it seems the community’s interests
are better met by keeping you in work.’’
After Freyberg lost the game 28-23, Paisami walked up to Van Deventer at the end of the July 9
game.
Instead of shaking hands, Paisami punched him.
Paisami told police he was unhappy with losing and with Hay fever sufferers have the warmer winter to blame for the fast start to the sneeze season as pollen blankets the region.
Manawatu has this week been covered in a dusting of pollen, evident on the roads, puddles and our car windscreens.
As noses begin to run and eyes get watery, Palmerston North pharmacists say people are getting hay fever earlier this year.
Rose’s Unichem Pharmacy coowner Heather Rose estimated the business was selling hay fever medication to 50 to 100 people a day.
"It’s just about every other person, and just today I’ve had two people who said they’ve never had hay fever before. It seems to be stronger and earlier this year and came in with a bang.’’
Massey Universtiy pollen researcher Kat Holt said some plants were producing more pollen, partially because of the warmer winter.
Holt said there aren’t many pine trees in Palmerston North, but the city was already seeing yellowish films of pollen on every uncovered surface.
‘‘We’re getting the pine pollen from surrounding forestry areas, which is a testament to how far pollen can spread on the wind.’’
Expect the more allergenic birch pollen to arrive next, and unlike pine trees, birch trees are everywhere in Palmerston North.
‘‘Silver birch is a very common decorative tree in urban areas. We have them all over the place on Massey campus and they’re all along Park Rd by the esplanade,’’ Holt said.
The Metservice has forecast winds will strengthen across the country towards the end of the week, blowing more pollen in the air.
Massey University honorary research associate Professor David Fountain said the pollen season would likely get worse in September. ‘‘After the cold of late July and early to mid-august the pollen has suddenly arrived – almost entirely from pine." some of the calls Van Deventer made during the match.
Paisami has already been banned from all New Zealand rugby for life. He has admitted a common assault charge and was bailed until sentencing in September, as the judge considers an electronically-monitored punishment
Paisami faced a ban of 12-weeks to life, but the precedent in recent cases for players over-18 has been life bans.
Manawatu Rugby Union chief executive John Knowles previously told the Manawatu Standard he was pleased with the ruling from the judiciary.