Pregnant woman stabs partner with scissors

A pregnant woman stabbed her partner after he spat at her multiple times during an argument over money.

Maraea Taitoko and Jamaine Feu Liona-Lutua appeared in the New Plymouth District Court after being charged in relation to the domestic dispute in Inglewood on April 23.

The couple, both 23, had been arguing over money when things turned ugly about 9.20am.

Detective Sergeant Dave MacKenzie said during the verbal exchange Liona-Lutua got out of bed and moved Taitoko’s two-yearold child out of his way, something to which she took exception.

She told him ‘‘don’t shake my baby’’ and then hit Liona-Lutua around the head with an open hand, MacKenzie said

Liona-Lutua then spat at Taitoko three times, with saliva landing on her face and chest, before he left the room.

Moments later, Taitoko confronted her partner in the hallway of the house and challenged him to spit at her again, which he did.

She then stabbed him in the left shoulder with a pair of scissors she had concealed behind her back, MacKenzie said.

Liona-Lutua was checked by medical staff but did not need further treatment. On April 16, the court heard of another violent incident between the pair. During a verbal argument, Liona-Lutua pushed Taitoko, who is seven months pregnant, and the force caused her to fall forward and land on her stomach.

Taitoko was not injured. On Thursday, Taitoko pleaded guilty to assault with intent to injure and Liona-Lutua to two charges of male assaults female.

Duty lawyer Jo Woodcock, who appeared for the pair, said there had been a lot of stress in the house, especially over finances given the pending birth of their child. She asked for a sentence of supervision for them both in order to provide them with support, including around anger management and budgeting.

Judge Chris Sygrove convicted the pair of the charges they each faced and imposed a nine-month supervision sentence.

Liona-Lutua, who has a history of family violence, was told by the judge to make the most of the opportunity to get help.

‘‘She (Taitoko) wanted you to change your ways so get the message.’’