Toothache led to assault on partner
NORTH Otago Rugby is heading to the small screen.
Oamaru will be on show tomorrow when the Old Golds host Horowhenua Kapiti in a televised Heartland Championship clash.
Earlier this year, it was announced one
Heartland Championship match per week would be broadcast live on Sky TV and freetoair on Prime for the first time. Previously, only the Meads and Lochore Cup finals had been televised.
The Old Golds have been spoilt already this year, when its opening round against Wairarapa Bush, in Masterton, was televised.
But tomorrow it is the Old Golds’ turn to showcase Whitestone Contracting Stadium, its fans, and its flavour of rugby.
North Otago Rugby chief executive Colin Jackson said it was an exciting opportunity for the union to host a televised game.
‘‘It is fabulous that Sky are doing one Heartland fixture live every week,’’ Jackson said. ‘‘Heartland Rugby is finally getting the coverage and the exposure that it thoroughly deserves. Live TV gives our players the platform to showcase their rugby talents.’’
Head coach Jason Forrest said it was a big day for the team, union, and its loyal sponsors to be live on television.
It is a big game for the Old Golds, who are coming off two tough losses against Hanan Shield rivals South Canterbury and Mid Canterbury.
Horowhenua Kapiti sits sixth in the standings, after beating Ngati Porou East Coast 3214, Wairarapa Bush 3317, and King Country 2518. It has only dropped one game, 5320, to defending Meads Cup champion South Canterbury.
‘‘Horowhenua Kapiti are one point in front of us on the standings, so a lot [is] riding on this game,’’ Jackson said.
There is also a special reunion happening at the match, with North Otago’s 2002 team to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its beating Horowhenua Kapiti and being promoted from the National Provincial Championship Division 3 to Division 2.
North Otago will play Horowhenua Kapiti at Whitestone Contracting Stadium tomorrow, with kick off at the earlier time of 1.30pm.
Otherwise, tune in and watch the game on Sky TV or Prime.
SENTENCES imposed by Judge Brian Callaghan in the Oamaru District Court on Wednesday were. —
Cameron Scott Sheard (30), painter, of Oamaru, intentional damage, July 13, reparation $400.
Emma Nicole Woodhouse (33), caregiver, of Palmerston, drinkdriving (796mcg), PalmerstonWaikouaiti road, July 30, fined $700, court costs $130, disqualification six months.
Riley Damon Heremea Taitoko (22), shearer, of Balclutha, drinkdriving (719mcg), disqualified driving, HampdenPalmerston road, June 12, 100 hours’ community work, nine months’ supervision, disqualified 28 days, alcohol interlock provisions.
Santiago Jose Pugliese Lopez (36), of Oamaru, drinkdriving (1088mcg), Wansbeck St, August 21, fined $700, court costs $130, disqualified 28 days, alcohol interlock provisions.
Shane George William Loomes (29), of Dunedin, drinkdriving (467mcg), Wansbeck St, September 2, fined $400, court costs $130, disqualified six months.
Mahara Morley Hunt (24), of Oamaru, intentional damage, July 14, sentence deferred six months.
Matt Morrell Dunjey (36), tow truck driver, of Oamaru, assault, May 8; aggravated suspended driving, 120 hours’ community work, sentence deferred six months.
Damian Aaron Anderson (44), of Oamaru, breaching release conditions, August 18, Oamaru; breaching release conditions, August 20, Timaru, reparation $160, sentenced deferred six months. — PIJF court reporter Guy Williams
A MAN who was suffering from toothache became so angry with the pain, the noise of children and comments made by a visitor to his house, he hit his partner in the back of the head.
Nevin Whiakai Trainor (30) was sentenced yesterday after pleading guilty to assaulting his former partner, escaping police custody, dishonestly taking a motor vehicle, driving while forbidden, driving while suspended and sustained loss of traction.
The offending happened in Nightcaps, Invercargill and Ohai between November 9, 2021 and March 23.
His former partner was described as a brave lady by Judge Kevin Phillips, after she read out her victim impact statement in the Invercargill District Court yesterday.
She said the assault had broken her heart and she had suffered anxiety and sleepless nights as a result.
‘‘I really hope that you can never ever put a hand on a woman. I have forgiven you but I have not forgotten that day,’’ she said.
The woman hoped Trainor continued to receive the support he needed.
Judge Phillips said Trainor threw a tantrum while suffering toothache on the day of the assault and was yelling and shouting at his former partner as she tried to get him a dental appointment.
He became angry as the noise of children elevated in the house and a visitor made a comment about how angry he appeared to be.
It was then Trainor punched his former partner in the back of the head and then flipped the couch she was sitting on, causing her to fall to the ground. She left as he threw items at her, Judge Phillips said.
While Trainor had previous convictions for violence, none were for assaulting a family member and there had been no violence convictions during the five years prior to the assault.
As Trainor had already spent 178 days on remand in prison, Judge Phillips sentenced him to six months’ community detention, 12 months’ intensive supervision and disqualified him from driving for six months. Trainor received a discount for his guilty pleas, remorse, health issues and also for having to deal with the death of his cousin who was in Invercargill prison when he took his own life.
At the request of his former partner, Judge Phillips also imposed a protection order.