An apprentice sparky who punched a DJ while on supervision for previous offending got ‘‘caught up in the moment’’ while out drinking, his lawyer says.
Alexander William Tarbotton, 30, of Fernhill, was at a Cow Lane bar about 3.30am on July 2 when he began yelling at the DJ, then punched him in the face.
Restrained by other patrons and ejected, he was arrested in Camp St a short time later, but told cops he ‘‘didn’t do anything’’.
At the time of the assault, he had two months remaining on a sentence of supervision.
Counsel Annaliese Carlaw said Tarbotton had gone out to see his boss make his debut as a DJ at another bar, and ‘‘felt he had to participate’’ in the merriment.
Once he began drinking, he tended to over-indulge, Carlaw said.
The incident had been a ‘‘wake-up call’’ for the defendant, who was willing to undergo alcohol counselling.
At Tarbotton’s sentencing in Queenstown’s court this week, Judge Russell Walker noted it was his third conviction in 18 months, with one for serious assault early last year and another for disorderly behaviour likely to cause violence in February.
Had police chosen a higher-level assault charge, the defendant would be facing jail, Walker said.
He replaced the existing sentence with a new term of nine months’ supervision, and imposed 40 hours’ community work.
Tarbotton must also pay the victim $400 reparation for emotional harm.
Other sentences
● Isaiah Hirini Sadler, 20, bouncer, of Frankton, injuring by unlawful act, February 11, Queenstown, discharged without conviction, reparation $750, ordered to pay $1750 to St John.
● Jackson Quinn Vallance, 19, apprentice welder, of Wānaka, drink-driving (under 20, 355mcg), careless driving, Crown Range Rd, March 18, fined $800, disqualified five months.
● Melinda Amy Aldons, 38, of Australia, using a ski pass (Cardrona) dishonestly, August 31-September 3, discharged without conviction, reparation $640, ordered to pay $180 to Salvation Army.
● Melissa Barcelona Brimelow, 33, of Australia, using a ski pass (Cardrona) dishonestly, August 31-September 3, discharged without conviction, reparation $640, ordered to pay $180 to Salvation Army.
● Simon Leigh Crisp, 38, of Australia, using a ski pass (Cardrona) dishonestly, August 31-September 3, discharged with out conviction, reparation $640, ordered to pay $180 to Salvation Army.
● Tchad Galen Oakley, 39, of Australia, using a ski pass (Cardrona) dishonestly, September 3, discharged without conviction, reparation $160, ordered to pay $180 to Salvation Army.
