Woman wants to reunite with man who attacked her

A woman who was repeatedly bashed by her abusive partner wants to rekindle the relationship, a court has heard.

Tome John, 37, appeared before Judge Tony Greig in the New Plymouth District Court on Monday facing a raft of violence charges including assaulting a female, wounding with intent to injure, threatening to kill, injuring with intent to injure and kidnapping.

At the start of the hearing, Crown prosecutor Georgia Milne said eight of the 10 charges could be dismissed because no evidence would be offered after he accepted a sentencing indication.

John pleaded guilty to the two remaining charges: assault with intent to injure and wounding with intent to injure.

An agreed police summary of facts stated John and his partner of 10 years, with whom he has four children, were at their home address in early October 2018 and he was drunk.

The couple argued about John wanting to drive the victim’s car. He drove off in it, and they resumed the verbal altercation when he returned an hour later.

John grabbed the woman by the arm and tried to pull her out of the house, but she fell to the floor to stop him dragging her out.

‘‘The defendant grabbed the victim by the leg and upended her, causing her to fall on her back.’’

Then in November the couple again got into an argument about the victim visiting her family.

He yelled and screamed at the woman before punching her on the chest, using both fists, causing her to fall to the ground.

‘‘As the victim was on the ground the defendant kicked, stomped and punched her multiple times to her legs and body.’’

John then hit her with a bucket of flour before standing over her yelling abuse and then leaving.

He returned a short time later and continued the assault, pushing the victim to the ground and hitting her with a wooden chair, causing it to smash.

The woman managed to flee the address with the children, who were all crying and distressed.

Defence lawyer Patrick Mooney said John’s partner wanted him back so they could resume their relationship, and he had completed an anti-violence programme while in custody.

‘‘The defendant himself has recognised the effect his behaviour has had on his victim and his children.’’

He sought an end sentence of six months’ imprisonment after discounts were provided, including for time in custody, which could be converted to three months’ home detention.

Milne raised concerns about the level of discount sought, in light of the seriousness of the offending. She also said John’s victim had sought a protection order.

Judge Greig told John the general stress of life and pressures on him didn’t justify his behaviour.

‘‘You treated this woman very cruelly and caused harm to your children.’’

He sentenced John to 12 months’ imprisonment, which was converted to six months’ home detention to be served at a Whangarei address.

John was told the protection order didn’t stop the couple living together, it just gave his partner more control.

‘‘If she says leave now, you must leave now,’’ the judge said.