Diving instructor sentenced for assaulting partner

Robert Lawrence Houkamau, 27, diving instructor, of Porangahau, appeared at last month’s sitting of the Waipukurau District Court, pleading guilty on a charge of assaulting a person in a family relationship.

Hokamau had been in a car with his then partner on July 24 when he was observed to abruptly stop outside a Porangahau address, reach across and punch the victim three times in the head. The assault was witnessed by Porangahau constable John Singer, who was parked at a garage across the road.

Through his lawyer, Houkamau said he had been angry because the victim had gone through his phone. The conversation had “got nasty and he had snapped”. He said he had been holding a bag and just intended to push the victim, but due to his hand being around the bag his fist was clenched. Houkamau said he was remorseful.

The victim was left with tenderness and redness on her face.

Judge Gordon Matenga said while Houkamau had a history of convictions including a recent drinkdriving conviction, this was his first family violence offence.

Houkamau was convicted and sentenced to 12 months’ supervision and 80 hours’ community work.

Shae Dion William Lloydd, 33, of Hatuma, appeared for domestic assault and behaving threateningly.

On January 31, according to the summary of facts, Lloydd had forgotten to pick his partner from work. When he picked the victim up he drove at 140kmh, with children in the back seat, while yelling abuse.

Once at home the victim attempted to leave on foot, but

Lloydd blocked her off, grabbed her arm and her T-shirt, which ripped. She walked to the neighbours and phoned police. Lloydd followed her, and threatened that if she left him he would find her.

Lloydd’s lawyer said since the offence matters had improved, a restorative justice conference had been held and Lloydd had apologised and recognised the errors he had made.

Judge Matenga said his concern was Lloydd’s 2019 conviction for family violence. “He has had every opportunity to address his violence issues.” Addressing Lloydd, he said “you haven’t learned from previous experiences. Clearly the message has to be reinforced.”

Lloydd was convicted and sentenced to 12 months’ supervision and 120 hours’ community work.

Jacon Larry Hema, 29, of

Waipukurau, pleaded guilty to a charge of driving while suspended.

On July 14, Hema was seen by police driving in Takapau Rd. He pulled into a petrol station and parked behind it to avoid detection. Judge Matenga said Hema had been suspended due to excess demerit points. Hema was convicted, fined $300 and disqualified for six months.

Sam Thomas Gibson, 18, Waipukurau, pleaded guilty too a charge of driving with excess breath alcohol.

On August 10, Gibson was stopped by police in Kenilworth St, Waipawa, and breath tested. The test returned a reading of 683mcg of alcohol per litre of breath. The legal limit is 400mcg/l.

Through his lawyer, Gibson said he did not realise how intoxicated he was, and thought he was “OK”.

Judge Matenga noted Gibson has no previous convictions. Gibson was convicted, fined $800 and disqualified for six months. Phantasia Walker, 28, shearer, of Waipukurau, pleaded guilty to charges of driving with excess breath alcohol and speeding.

On July 9, Walker was stopped by police after driving through a 70km/ h zone on SH2 Waipukurau at 122km/ h. She was breath tested, returning a reading of 713mcg/l.

In court Walker’s lawyer said Walker “can’t believe she drove, she shouldn’t have been driving and she wasn’t thinking”.

Judge Matenga said the reading was high and even though it was a first offence it was going to attract a heavy fine.

Walker was convicted, fined $800 and disqualified from driving for six months.