Lockdown helps couple after assault

A Timaru man who struck his partner twice with a fist and elbowed a door multiple times says the lockdown has helped the couple rebuild their relationship.

Christopher John Holden, 36, was sentenced to six months’ supervision when he appeared before Judge Joanna Maze in the Timaru District Court yesterday, having pleaded guilty to assaulting a person he was in a family relationship with and wilful damage.

Defence lawyer Codi Lilley said Holden snapped after days of verbal abuse from his partner and mother of their two young children.

‘‘He takes full responsibility for his actions and says despite the circumstances, he shouldn’t have laid a hand on her.’’

Police prosecutor Toaiva Hitila said Holden became angry when the victim refused to let him sleep in her bed while staying at her Timaru address, about 8pm on February 2, 2020.

‘‘The defendant punched the victim twice in the back with a hammer first.

‘‘While leaving the address, the defendant caused damage to the door by putting holes in it with his elbow.’’

Lilley said spending time together over lockdown had allowed the couple to work on their relationship and communication skills.

‘‘They have been together six years and are continuing their relationship. He instructs this is the best his relationship has been in six years,’’ she said.

‘‘Both are willing to do relationship counselling. Mr Holden has already engaged with The Salvation Army and is undertaking anger management courses.’’

Lilley submitted a fine was an appropriate sentence, but Judge Maze said she did not believe it ‘‘would do anything but penalise the household and the victim of this offending’’.