Reckless wounding

Sentenced to intensive supervision in midApril on offences including assault with a weapon, the defendant further offended violently in May, Judge Phillips noted.

Lokenitama Filipo (35), of Dunedin, was for sentence convicted of wounding with reckless disregard, on May 2.

Reviewing the facts, the judge said Filipo was in his room in a boarding house when the victim came to the front door of the address looking for someone.

The person was not there and Filipo asked him to join him in his room where several people were gathered.

The victim entered and socialised briefly before something caused Filipo to take offence at him.

Filipo took a large carving knife and stabbed the victim’s left calf.

He then tore up a shirt to bandage the wound.

The victim returned home. But, the next day, he required medical treatment because of the wound.

Taken by ambulance to hospital, he had surgery on his leg to drain blood clots.

Discharged after a few days, he returned almost immediately and needed further surgery to relieve more clotting.

He spent about 10 days in hospital.

Counsel Debbie Ericsson said the offending occurred when Filipo and the victim were drinking with a group in Filipo’s room. The victim started running Filipo down. Filipo picked up a knife which he poked at the victim. He did not intend to stab him. When he realised what had happened, he offered the victim immediate assistance and bandaged the wound.

Filipo had resorted to drugs and alcohol to alleviate unresolved grief issues.

In custody since May 25, he had used his time constructively ‘‘and wants to start afresh when he leaves prison’’.

He pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.

The judge sentenced him to 12 months’ jail (with six months’ release conditions).