By Joseph Nathan.
A Blenheim man who kicked a tasered opponent in the head has avoided a conviction that could have wrecked his career—but not without consequences.
Dominic Freeth, 21, was sentenced to four months of community detention after a drunken fight in the early hours of April 21. Judge Richard Russell acknowledged his remorse but dismissed his plea for a clean slate.
“Hopefully you can get on with life the way you describe,” Russell told him.
A Fight, a Taser, and a Kick to the Head
Freeth was out drinking near the intersection of Scott St and Main St when an argument escalated into a brawl. Police arrived, tasered the other man, and he collapsed, unable to move.
Then, as officers moved in, Freeth kicked him in the head.
The victim, who knew Freeth, was taken to hospital with a concussion. Both were heavily intoxicated, according to police.
Court Plea: A Future on the Line
Freeth admitted to assault with intent to injure. His lawyer, Josh Smith, argued that a conviction would kill his client’s career. Freeth had completed an engineering apprenticeship and secured a rare opportunity to work in Texas and Australia—one that required a clean record.
“There is no way he will be able to go into any OECD country [if convicted],” Smith said. “The consequences outweigh the gravity of the offending.”
CCTV footage showed the victim lunging at Freeth, grabbing him, and tearing off his shirt.
“This happened very quickly,” Smith said. “The victim was the aggressor, and my client reacted in a moment of stupidity.”
Victim Left with Lasting Impact
The victim told the court he now suffered severe headaches and had gone from “happy-go-lucky” to anxious about going out.
“He knows you will be asking for a discharge without conviction and says the possibility of that upsets him,” Judge Russell said. “He says this is not acceptable behaviour.”
Russell acknowledged the circumstances but ruled that travel restrictions didn’t outweigh the seriousness of the attack.
Freeth must serve four months of community detention with an 8pm to 7am curfew, pay $750 in emotional harm reparations, and complete a non-violence programme.
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