Raniera Junior Smyth, 28, was sentenced to 19 months in prison for a violent assault on his partner after a wedding, despite being the designated sober driver.
The Dunedin court heard that on March 30, 2024, Smyth drank heavily at the event and became enraged after overhearing his partner speak with her ex. The couple returned to her Dunedin home, where Smyth attacked her—pulling her hair, kicking her, and throwing her to the ground. He also punched walls, headbutted her, and threw kitchen knives at her feet while threatening harm.
The woman managed to escape and call the police, but Smyth resisted arrest, requiring five officers and a dog to detain him. His partner suffered cuts and a concussion.
Despite expressing remorse, Smyth’s previous convictions and failure to reform left Judge Emma Smith no choice but to sentence him to prison. However, Smyth was given the option to apply for home detention if a suitable address became available.
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