Barbed bat used in party attack

An angry man armed with a hammer and a baseball bat wrapped in barbed wire went on a drunken rampage at a 21st party, injuring people and damaging cars.

At Wednesday’s sentencing hearing, James Patrick Ngeru had nothing but regret about his actions on February 11 last year, which had been fuelled by hours of drinking.

The summary of facts retold the night’s violent events, which began at a 21st birthday party hosted by Ngeru’s neighbour.

About 40 people were present at a St Aubyn St address in New Plymouth for the celebrations. At

9.30pm, Ngeru became involved in a fight with some of the partygoers. The 28-year-old’s associate punched one of them in the face, causing him to fall to the ground. Ngeru then put the boot in, kicking the man in the ribs. Other partygoers then intervened to stop any further violence.

Undeterred, the defendant went next door to his house and picked up a hammer and a wooden baseball bat which had barbed wire wrapped around it. The New Plymouth District Court heard how it had been used as a prop for Halloween in the past.

Ngeru returned to the party and threatened people while ‘‘flailing’’ the weapons about. He struck a

16-year-old girl in the stomach and smacked another man in the face, leaving behind a puncture wound to his right cheek and a swollen jaw.

Still riled up, Ngeru then used the weapons to inflict damage on two parked cars. Ngeru previously pleaded guilty to two charges of assault with a weapon, one charge of assault with intent to injure and another of intentional damage.

Lawyer Paul Keegan said Ngeru had deeply regretted his behaviour.

He said Ngeru had complied with bail conditions and was employed as a painter/decorator.

Judge Chris Sygrove sentenced Ngeru to 10 months home detention and ordered him to pay $300 reparation.