Nelson, New Zealand – A man was sentenced in Nelson District Court after a violent episode in a local motel led to a series of charges including assault, threats of murder, and robbery. The incident, which occurred in September 2023, unfolded during what began as an hour-long hired massage and escalated into a severe attack.
Judge Jo Rielly characterized the assault as both prolonged and unnecessary, occurring after a dispute over money and the unwillingness of the victim to comply with the assailant’s demands. The defendant, identified only as Te Fono, professed a vague memory of the event, yet exhibited an unrepentant demeanor that troubled the judge. His lawyer described his attitude as typical youthful bravado, but this did little to mitigate the gravity of his actions.
The victim, a masseuse who has since left New Zealand to return to her home country, recounted the attack as both furious and traumatic, leading to significant physical and emotional scars. According to court documents, the altercation took an ominous turn forty-five minutes into the massage when Te Fono demanded a refund which was denied.
Fueled by alcohol and frustration, Te Fono assaulted the woman, striking her multiple times before threatening her life. The woman attempted to protect the cash earnings she had in the room, which further incited violence from Te Fono. Despite her efforts to shield herself and call for help, the severity of the beating left her with considerable facial swelling, bruising, and signs of concussion.
The situation escalated as Te Fono forced the victim into the bathroom, trapping her and issuing a deadly warning before fleeing with her earnings. This led to a frantic call for help from the victim to the motel management, followed by immediate medical attention for her injuries. Her subsequent days were marred by persistent headaches and heightened sensitivity to sound, indicative of the concussion sustained.
This case extended beyond the violent encounter in Nelson. Te Fono was also facing charges in a separate incident. While out on bail for the motel assault, he engaged in reckless driving under the influence in Taupō. His misjudgment resulted in a car crash after an attempted vehicular stunt went awry. Found to be significantly over the legal alcohol limit, this incident added to his legal troubles.
Judge Rielly, addressing the full scope of Te Fono’s offenses, expressed concern over his lack of insight into the severity of his decisions and the consequences they wrought. Though Te Fono expressed remorse, the judge questioned the sincerity of his contrition, suggesting it was more a reflection of his predicament than genuine regret.
Ultimately, Te Fono was sentenced to two years and three months in prison, the term adjusted downward in recognition of his guilty plea, youth, and an eventual offer to repay the stolen money. The Parole Board is expected to determine his release date.
This case highlights not only the perils that can lurk in seemingly mundane service transactions but also reflects broader concerns about youth violence and the impact of alcohol on decision-making and public safety.