Oamaru District Court
A HAKATARAMEA man threw himself off a bridge after he subjected his partner to a vicious, prolonged assault, a court has heard.
At the Oamaru District Court yesterday, John Andrew Hayes (35) appeared before Judge Joanna Maze for sentencing on three charges: intentionally impeding the breathing of a person by applying pressure on their throat, assault with intent to injure and threatening to kill.
The attack on the woman, who Hayes had been in a relationship with for about six months at the time of the July 10 incident, was sparked by an argument near the shore of the Waitaki River about 2.30pm, after the couple spent the day at his caravan in Hakataramea.
Before the verbal altercation 10 minutes after they arrived at the river, Hayes had consumed several cans of beer and bourbon and cola, and had also smoked a small amount of cannabis.
They left a short time later and while on the way to the caravan, where Hayes lived, the victim ended their relationship after he called her a slut.
It was then the already heated argument turned violent.
After the woman had gathered her belongings from the caravan and attempted to leave, Hayes blocked her path by cutting off her exit with his leg.
That caused her to trip and fall, but she was able to make it out of the caravan and off the property through a back gate.
She then called her landlord and asked for a ride back to
Timaru.
Hayes became enraged when he saw her on her phone and ripped it from her grasp and smashed it on the ground.
He pushed her into a hedge, grabbed her by the jacket and hair, and dragged her about 10m back to the caravan, where the assault continued.
After he pushed her on to a bed, Hayes placed her hands behind her back, straddled her and placed his hands around her throat, occasionally letting the pressure off when she said that she was unable to breathe.
When Hayes relented, the victim took advantage and bolted from the caravan towards the road.
However, she was caught by Hayes and thrown to the ground.
The woman’s screams for help went unheard and unable to get to her feet, she kicked out at her attacker.
That did not deter Hayes, who again attempted to choke her and struck her in the stomach area.
After a short time the woman, who was later treated for minor injuries at Oamaru Hospital, was able to flee and run to a nearby property to raise the alarm.
After the assault, Hayes jumped off a nearby bridge into the river, but was able to make it to shore.
He was later arrested and sent to Waitaki Mental Health Services for evaluation.
Hayes was sentenced to 10 months’ home detention and was ordered not to contact the victim, to undergo a drug and alcohol assessment, not to consume drugs unless prescribed by a physician and not to drink alcohol.
On a charge of wilful damage he was convicted and discharged, and ordered to pay reparation of $100.
Other convictions
Ricky Lee Jones (37), driver, of Oamaru, disorderly behaviour, at Oamaru, January 2, fined $500, court costs $130.
Siosiua Apikotoa Havili Aitu (19), of Oamaru, drinkdriving, 560mcg, Orwell St, Oamaru, December 29, fined $300, court costs $130, disqualified six months.
Travis Reekie (20), of Oamaru, drinkdriving, 1137mcg, College St, Oamaru, December 28, six months' supervision, disqualified six months.