Supermarket staff assaulted

A bystander launched a verbal tirade and assaulted supermarket staff as they chased a suspected

shoplifter, a court has been told.

Blair Jarrod Hudson, from Palmerston North, didn’t agree with how New World staff dealt with a female customer in the supermarket’s car park on June 4.

Defence lawyer Marina Anderson said Hudson was alarmed when the woman was grabbed by the arm.

It was alleged the shopper had

stolen items from the store and, when confronted by staff, Hudson intervened.

He pushed one of the men to the ground, taunting him about picking on a girl. He turned to the other staff member and threatened to stab them, before fleeing from the car park.

Hudson was sentenced in the Palmerston North District Court yesterday to six months’ supervision and ordered to pay $300 emotional harm reparation.

Anderson said Hudson regretted his actions, but was raised to never touch a woman.

‘‘This seems to be a, somewhat, natural reaction to him.’’

Anderson said Hudson had reunited with his iwi on the East Coast, Nga¯ti Porou, to find a better pathway for his future.

Hudson, who has a partner and four children, had no history of violence and his last conviction was 12 years ago.

‘‘You could use this to change for the future to make sure you don’t come back [to court],’’ Judge Lance Rowe said. ‘‘I hope this is a learning opportunity for you to find some better pathways.’’