A woman was sentenced to 12 months’ probation supervision, including attending counselling, for assaulting a 69-year-old man in front of his grandchild.

Shayne Warren was yesterday sentenced to 12 months’ probation supervision including attending counselling and ordered not to leave the Cook Islands without the court’s approval.

The court heard she and her partner were alleged to have assaulted a man, who was 69 years old at the time of the incident, at the Social Centre in Nikao in September last year.

Her partner had denied the charges while Warren pleaded guilty to common assault.

The court heard that, according to the victim’s impact report, the assault left the man with ongoing vision and shoulder issues. He also reported feeling fearful and stopped participating in his chosen sport for a time. He also had some moments of panic.

According to a medical report, the victim suffered bruising and swelling on his head, had a blurry vision and bruising on his neck and hips.

Police said the assault happened in front of his grandchild.

Defence counsel Mark Short said it was an unfortunate incident, adding the woman and her partner went to the Social Centre in Nikao, where the victim had parked behind their vehicle. The victim’s grandchild was running around, and the victim honked the car horn at the defendant.

Short said words were exchanged before it escalated in pushing and punching.

He argued the offence was at the lower end of the scale.

Police prosecutor senior sergeant Fairoa Tararo said the offending was fuelled by alcohol and the victim’s grandchild was exposed to the offence.

Justice of the Peace John Whitta said the two accused had overwhelmed the victim, and the offending was serious.