A Queenstown man who assaulted his wife and step-daughter has already made an effort to address the issues behind his offending, a court has heard.
The police summary of facts said Jolley got into an argument with his wife after taking a mobile phone from a child at the house.
He had earlier been drinking at a client’s property with his brother-in-law and business partner, Steven Hona.
Standing directly in front of his wife, he began pushing her backwards with his chest in an "aggressive and intimidating" manner, then pushed her with both hands, causing her to fall on her back.
When his adult step-daughter came outside to intervene, he slapped her twice in the face.
Hona, who was convicted in February for his part in the incident, also slapped the second victim, knocking her to the ground, before striking the first victim in the face three times as she tried to break up the fracas.
Counsel Kieran Tohill said Jolley’s offending was an "aberration" brought about by alcohol and work and relationship stress.
Since moving to the resort town from South Auckland a decade ago, he had established a successful business and led a "blameless life".
Since the incident, he had voluntarily undertaken professional counselling, and had not drunk alcohol.
In her victim impact statement, the defendant’s wife said his behaviour was the result of "generational trauma, habits, and a not-so-great upbringing".
They had addressed those issues together, and made progress in their personal development.
Judge Garland said defendants usually expressed remorse before sentencing, but in this case he believed it was genuine.
Given the defendant had taken steps to address his issues, there was no need for a rehabilitative element in his sentence.
He also noted the defendant’s step-daughter continued to live with the couple.
On charges of assault and assault in a family relationship, he imposed a sentence deferred for 12 months, and court costs of $260.
