Dunedin District Court

SENTENCES imposed by Judge Emma Smith in the Dunedin District Court yesterday. —

Reipae Patricia Laufiso-Cassidy (29), employed, of Dunedin, drinkdriving (stopped by police for random breath test, said she had drunk four or five RTDs 20 minutes before driving, duty lawyer Max Winders said his client called it a ‘‘stupid decision’’), 672mcg, 1am, December 30, Burns St, fined $600, court costs $130, six months’ disqualification.

Nicholas Hendrikas Kearns (48), labourer, of Dunedin, assault (victim partner; Kearns having argument with her; while she on phone to police, Kearns tried to stop her by knocking phone away, in doing so struck her in face with open hand, he and victim still arguing when police arrived; victim received no injury from assault), about 1pm, October 13, nine months’ supervision, court costs $130.

Shane William Murray (50), ACC recipient, of Dunedin, assault (victim partner; Murray and victim arguing, Murray became angry and upset about something said, jumped up from his seat, walked over to victim, spat in her face; victim not injured), about 8.30am, September 22, six months’ supervision, court costs $130. Counsel Debbie Ericsson said Murray affected by effect of big reduction in pain medication, very remorseful, victim extremely supportive. Tama Ropata Toia (34), concrete worker, of Dunedin, intimidation (argument with partner escalated while Toia prepared food in kitchen, her brother came in to calm situation, defendant smashed a window, damaged a table and pushed the oven over, admitted behaviour when police arrived; defence counsel Ms Ericsson said the incident came about the time of two bereavement anniversaries, the grief from which her client had not dealt with), October 5, nine months’ supervision, court costs $130.