A New Zealander who assaulted his then-partner, and burned her with a cigarette, has received a three-year suspended sentence.

Andrew Matangaro David Putairi appeared before Justice of the Peace John Whitta at the Criminal Court in Avarua on Tuesday. He had previously pleaded guilty to a charge of assault with intent to injure.

According to the summary of facts, read out on in court, Putairi and the victim were enjoying a lagoon cruise on November 29.

Putairi made advances towards the victim, which the victim declined. In response, Putairi burnt the victim’s leg with a cigarette. The victim attempted to get away from Putairi, but Putairi chased after her and punched her, with the lagoon cruise staff having to break up the assault.

The victim suffered facial swelling, burns and bruises from the incident.

Sentencing Putairi, JP Whitta said the assault was a serious offence and “makes little sense whatsoever”.

“You chose to follow her and assault her at the toilet block. It’s hard to understand, your reasons for following her are yours to consider alone,” JP Whitta said.

JP Whitta said Putairi’s use of a cigarette was a “cruel” and “insulting” act, while his “continued harassment” was an aggravating factor. 

Mitigating factors included his early guilty plea and the fact it was his first offence, JP Whitta said.

The starting point for this offence was six to 12 months’ imprisonment, which could be converted to a sentence of probation.

“Your situation in New Zealand means I need to take a second look. You are gainfully employed in New Zealand, and have three children to look after,” JP Whitta told Putairi.

“I have decided that probation would be unnecessarily punitive on your family.”

JP Whitta gave Putairi a three-year suspended sentence, and ordered him to pay $20 in reparations and $50 in Court costs.

“I accept this offence is out of character. It is to her credit that the victim has carried on with her life,” JP Whitta said.