Jeremy Donald Harcourt admitted both charges in the Greymouth District Court. On August 6 Harcourt and the victim were at a Thompson St address in Greymouth, when Harcourt picked up and struck the woman with a poker during a disagreement. She was left with welts on her body and legs. Lawyer George Linder said the victim hit Harcourt first and he just tapped her on the behind with the poker. Judge Charles Blackie said it was more than just a simple tap - "she was left with welts on her leg".

Source: Otago Daily Times September 20, 2017 01:52 UTC