Man headbutts partner, twice

A man who headbutted his partner hard enough to make her nose bleed during an argument over money was running out of options, a judge said.

Watene Davis, 29, grabbed his partner by her T-shirt with both hands and headbutted her twice during an argument on May 19 at their Pā tea home over money, Hāwera District Court heard. The victim suffered a bloody nose and bruising around her left eye, but medical treatment was not required, a police summary of facts said.

Davis appeared for sentencing in Hāwera District Court on Monday on charges of contravening a protection order, in place since December 2011, and male assaults female, to which he had previously pleaded guilty.

Judge Garry Barkle said he was concerned to see ‘‘ongoing and relatively regular assault convictions, all termed as family violence’’ on Davis’ record.

‘‘This sort of behaviour can not be continued and it can not be condoned,’’ he said.

The victim and Davis had been partners for some years and had a child together.

‘‘The reality is if you hit her, you’re hitting your son as well, it’s the same impact,’’ he told Davis.

‘‘You should note the message you’re sending him with that sort of behaviour, it’s totally inappropriate.’’

Lawyer Kelly Marriner sought a sentence of home detention, as recommended in a pre-sentence report, as this would enable Davis to maintain his employment.

She said the sentence would enable Davis, who was very remorseful about the incident, to reengage with a domestic violence programme.

His aunt was in court to support him, she said.

Davis’ previous offending record was a major aggravating factor in setting a sentence, the judge said.

‘‘If you come back on a similar charge in a short period of time, you’re running out of options for yourself, your partner and your son,’’ he said.

He sentenced Davis to six months home detention on the two charges, with 12 months post detention conditions.

‘‘There are some positive things in your pre-sentence report and you desire to undergo the domestic violence programme, but equally I’m concerned that you apparently blame the victim, suggesting that she walks away from you when you get angry,’’ he said. ‘‘It’s your responsibility to walk away yourself if you get into that state.’’