Tell of ‘what a dangerous drug it is’ - judge

A man caught dealing methamphetamine has been told by a judge to inform his future cellmates drugs are dangerous.

Robert Morehu Tait, 27, was sentenced on 10 charges in the New Plymouth District Court on Wednesday, including supplying methamphetamine, assault with intent to injure, threatening to kill and driving in a dangerous manner.

Judge Chris Sygrove said the charge supplying methamphetamine was the most serious Tait was facing and reiterated he had earlier given a sentencing indication of imprisonment for the offending.

‘‘You might like to pass on to some of the people you meet there what a dangerous drug it is,’’ Sygrove said.

The summary of facts said as Tait drove along Nugent St in Bell Block about 9.40am on April 10, his assault victim tried to get out of the moving car but he stopped her. He pushed and shoved the victim and pulled her by the hair, continually making threats to kill her.

The victim made two more attempts to get out of the moving vehicle, which were observed by the public. Tait was also seen swerving into oncoming traffic as he drove along State Highway 3 towards Waitara.

As he passed the Mangati Rd intersection, Tait opened the car door and tried to push her out.

When the couple reached Waitara, Tait drove to a friend’s address where the woman escaped to a group of nearby road workers who called police.

Tait was arrested shortly afterwards and during a search of his car, a backpack with seven zip lock bags containing methamphetamine was found.

In total, 14.29 grams of the class A drug was found, with an estimated street value of between $6000 to $8000.

Analysis of Tait’s mobile phone, which was also seized in the search, found evidence of text exchanges setting up drug deals.

In July, Tait pleaded guilty to 10 charges, including supplying methamphetamine, assault with intent to injure, threatening to kill and driving in a dangerous manner.

At his sentencing on Wednesday, members of his family were in the front row of the court public gallery as Tait made his appearance.

Defence lawyer Julian Hammond handed Sygrove a letter Tait had written, expressing his remorse for his actions.

‘‘He feels deeply sorry for his actions,’’ he said. ’’It is not offered as an excuse but an explanation.’’

He said Tait had been disappointed attempts to set up a restorative justice conference had been unsuccessful.

Sygrove said the victim impact statement showed the woman had lost her job and struggled to pay her bills after the incident, and its effect on her needed to be taken into account.

He sentenced Tait to four years and three months in prison and disqualified him from driving for six months.