Adam Shelford Pomana, 50, appeared in the Dunedin District Court yesterday after earlier pleading guilty to assault in a family relationship.
The court heard the defendant was in an on-off relationship with the victim, and on November 15 she was at his house.
An argument broke out and the pair began pushing each other.
The victim was afraid and told Pomana she was going to have a shower before fleeing from the address naked to escape the abuse.
The defendant saw her leave and chased her down the footpath on to the main road.
She was screaming for help and for someone to call police.
Pomana caught up with her, grabbed her arm and dragged her back home.
The victim resisted and tried to push the defendant away, but Pomana pinned her up against a wall before forcibly dragging her into the house.
Members of the public heard the woman screaming for help while inside the address and police were called.
Yesterday, Pomana said his version of events was that the woman had taken drugs and he tried to bring her inside to preserve her dignity.
Judge David Robinson said he was obliged to sentence based on the summary of facts the defendant had pleaded guilty to.
Judge Robinson highlighted Pomana had a history of offending against the same victim.
He was assessed as highly likely to reoffend and posed a medium risk of harm to others.
The judge noted Pomana had a history of mental health issues, but was engaging well with his support team.
Judge Robinson sentenced Pomana to eight months’ imprisonment.
