Manaaki Selby-Rickit (22) appeared in the Invercargill District Court yesterday where he faced a count of injuring with reckless disregard for the safety of others.
Counsel Bill Dawkins asked the judge not to enter a conviction despite the guilty plea saying a conviction at this stage would had "a number of ramification on this case''.
That paves the way for a possible application for a discharge without conviction.
According to the summary of facts, Selby-Rickit allegedly assaulted a man outside the Night 'n Day on the corner of Dee and Esk Sts in Invercargill on September 8 last year at 3.15am.
The defendant and victim were unknown to each other and had a short verbal altercation.
Selby-Rickit pushed the victim who fell to the ground.
When he attempted to get up, the defendant rushed at him causing him to be pushed back several steps, before punching the victim several times in the head.
Both "wrestled to the ground'' and when the victim made another attempt to stand, Selby-Rickit forcefully shoved the victim again and while he lay on the ground, the defendant kicked him on the side of the head once.
The victim received two fractures to his jaw and damage his teeth.
Judge Walker remanded Selby-Rickit on bail until November 15.
