Victims punched, hit with spade after road dispute

A woman was punched numerous times in the face and her friend was smashed around the head with a spade following a perceived driving incident in Taranaki, a court heard.

The assaults came at the hands of Krystle Shardae Tai, who previously had no criminal history and who dealt the blows after considering she and her family had been placed in danger by the driving of one of the victims.

But the 53-year-old victim, who was unknown to Tai, maintains there had been no such road incident leading to the December 21, 2019, attack in Waitara.

Yesterday, Tai, 34, appeared in New Plymouth District Court where a discharge without conviction was argued on charges of common assault and assault with a weapon.

According to the Crown summary of facts, Tai had been travelling along State Highway 3 around 9pm with her partner, son and niece also in the car.

While the specifics of the driving incident were not mentioned in the summary, nor in court, it did state Tai had stopped her vehicle, blocking the lane, to confront the victim. Tai and her partner got out of their car and, fearing for her safety, the victim drove away.

But they were followed to an address in Lepperton where, in the driveway, Tai punched her in the face a number of times. The woman yelled for help, which prompted her friend to come out of the house.

The man stood between Tai and the woman, allowing the woman to run inside. Tai then began punching the man as he held on to her to prevent her entering his home. The man punched Tai back, prompting her partner to intervene.

Tai then picked up a shovel and swung it three times at the man’s head, connecting on the third attempt and causing a significant gash. Tai and her partner then returned to their vehicle and left.

In court, defence lawyer Nina Laird acknowledged that the first victim denied there had been a driving incident. But ‘‘something’’ must have happened for Tai to have followed the woman, Laird submitted.

The attack was out of character for her client, who otherwise led a positive life – working full-time and volunteering within her community and iwi.

Laird argued a conviction would have a significant impact on Tai’s personal and employment opportunities.

Crown prosecutor Laura Blencowe acknowledged the summary stated there was a pursuit following a driving incident but questioned whether that was a ‘‘perceived’’ issue. No resulting charges had been laid against the victim, she pointed out.

Blencowe opposed the application for a discharge without conviction, describing the attack as prolonged and sustained. It had had a significant impact on both victims, Blencowe said.

Judge Tony Greig convicted Tai of common assault but discharged her on the assault with a weapon charge. He ordered she pay $500 emotional harm reparation to both victims.