Assaulted brotherinlaw

A 23yearold man who wrestled his brotherinlaw to the ground and punched him several times in the face and head was sentenced to community detention and supervision.

Zane John Storer, of Dunedin, had been convicted of assault with intent to injure, an offence he admitted.

The police summary said the victim saw Storer and some associates in Princes St, about midnight on July 3.

The victim confronted Storer and a male associate about a past matter and, after an altercation with the associate, the victim and Storer became involved in an argument.

Storer wrestled the victim to the ground and struck him several times in the face and head with his fists.

The victim managed to get away and was taken to hospital to have his injuries assessed.

The assault caused him a bloody and swollen nose, a lump to the the top of his head and minor facial grazing.

Public defender Ms Scally said Storer entered an early guilty plea and was willing to attend restorative justice. But the victim did not want to go through that process. Storer accepted responsibility for his actions and had written a letter of apology.

Judge Crosbie noted the probation report indicated Storer’s remorse appeared genuine. Storer was intoxicated on the night. He had personal issues and a carer, and was deemed as presenting a low risk of harm to others.

Storer’s community detention is for three months (curfewed 8pm7am daily) and his term of supervision six months.