Man went 'too far' in assault on former partner

A 22-year-old Balclutha man was sentenced to 21 days' prison after admitting assaulting his former partner and threatening police last year.

Bo Malakai Teraki, unemployed, pleaded guilty to a Crimes Act assault on his former partner on March 2, and threatening behaviour likely to cause violence on June 23, when he appeared before Judge Roy Wade in the Balclutha District Court, sitting in Gore, yesterday.

Prosecutor Sergeant Glen McMurdo said on March 2 Teraki was at his partner's home when he became aggravated after he could not find his bag. The victim told Teraki she did not know where his bag was. He verbally abused her while continuing to search for his bag.

While Teraki went to search the lounge, the victim began removing his property from her room. He returned to the bedroom and kicked the victim in the stomach, winding her. The victim hit him on the head with an ornamental bottle.

Teraki began throwing the victim's property out of her room, grabbing her by the hair, and forcing her on to the bed. He held her down by her throat and began punching her to the face and head, twice saying he was going to kill her.

He left before police arrived.

The victim's left eye was swollen shut and she received bruises and grazes to her face.

Teraki was charged with male assaults female, but pleaded guilty to an amended charge of a Crimes Act assault when he appeared in court yesterday. He also faced a charge of possessing cannabis on the same date, but police withdrew the charge.

Counsel John Westgate said Teraki had finally learned that he and his partner were better off apart.

''He accepts that prior to getting hit in the face with a bottle, he went too far.''

In court yesterday, Judge Wade was shown photographs showing the extent of both Teraki's and the victim's injuries.

''In terms of injury, you came out worse. I am glad the penny has dropped, for whatever reason, that you and the victim do not belong together.''

Sgt McMurdo said when police carried out a bail check at Teraki's house on June 23 he became threatening and abusive.

Mr Westgate said Teraki was obviously in a stressful situation as he was on bail at the time, and said he apologised to the officer.

In sentencing Teraki to prison, Judge Wade said he was already in custody in relation to a number of serious drug charges.

On the charge of a Crimes Act assault he sentenced Teraki to 14 days' prison, and 21 days' prison for the threatening behaviour charge, with terms to be served concurrently.