Kebab shop owner admits assault
A kebab shop owner who once claimed an assault on his wife was a misinterpretation of a traditional Turkish dance has been convicted of assaulting an employee.
Allaetin Can’s case in 2010 made headlines around the world after he was charged with assaulting his wife in South Taranaki, but told the court what a witness had seen was the couple performing a traditional Turkish dance known as the kolbasti.
The judge dismissed the claim as ‘‘nonsense and a lie’’ and ordered Can to pay $1500 to Women’s Refuge.
Can, 49, was back in Ha¯ wera District Court on Tuesday after he shoved an employee so hard she fell to the ground at his kebab shop on November 12.
The police summary of facts stated Can had yelled at the victim after she told him about a mistake in an order at his Ha¯ wera kebab shop.
‘‘He told her no more mistakes or you’re out,’’ the summary said.
As she began remaking the order, he placed his hand on her arm.
When she told him that he could not place his hand on her like that, Can shoved her with two hands against her chest, so she fell backwards, bumping her back on a counter.
Can initially told police he had touched the victim’s arm but denied shoving her, the summary said.
In the dock on Tuesday he pleaded guilty to one charge of common assault.
‘‘You should treat your employees with more respect,’’ Judge Chris Sygrove told him.
He convicted Can and ordered him to pay $600 to the victim.