‘Sir, I need a man-up course’

A Manawatu¯ man denies needing drug and alcohol counselling, but has told a judge he could benefit from a ‘‘man-up course’’.

Larry Hati, from Feilding, made the admission to Judge Lance Rowe in the Palmerston North District Court yesterday, saying such a course could prevent him continually breaching protection orders.

Hati, 30, pleaded guilty to violating a protection order against a woman, and admits he needs to ‘‘grow up’’. He has several convictions for similar offences.

Hati’s mother and partner watched from the gallery as he told the court he wasn’t a drug addict, despite a woman catching him snorting white powder she believed was methamphetamine.

Hati said he suffered from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and preferred ‘‘railing’’ his medication.

‘‘When I take it with a glass of water it doesn’t work. I’m not addicted to drugs or alcohol, I just have ADHD and get a bit angry.

‘‘Sir, in all honesty, I think I just need a man-up course or a relationship course, because I’ve never been in a relationship.’’

For his most recent conviction, Hati visited the home of a woman who had a protection order against him.

His lawyer Tony Thackery said Hati agreed to leave, once asked, but waited under shelter outside for a vehicle to pick him up because it was raining.

Rowe urged Hati to research his wha¯nau, hapu¯ and iwi connections to help him connect with Ma¯ ori wha¯ nau services.

‘‘At the moment, you and your family are going around and around in circles, with things like breach of protection orders and assaults.’’

Hati was stood down until sentencing.