Photo: ODT filesAn Otago student who bottled a man in a nightclub can now pursue a career as a chartered accountant after a successful appeal. The challenge was filed more than a year out of time because, the student said, he did not initially appreciate the potential impact of his conviction on his ability to secure internships and work experience. When Skeggs-O’Donnell regained his balance, he smashed the bottle over the victim’s head, then tried to punch him twice. The victim was left with visible scars to his forehead and chin, a ‘‘significant impact’’, the judge said. ‘‘He is a young man with a promising future and a low risk of reoffending.’’Justice Andrew granted the appeal and discharged Skeggs-O’Donnell without conviction.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 12, 2026 22:20 UTC