Cyber bullying drove two Nelson women to lash out at their online attackers on the street and walk away with convictions for assault.
The 18-year-olds both admitted charges of assault from separate incidents, in Nelson District Court on Monday, blaming their victims for provoking them online.
Katrise Moana MacDonald was fined $300 for slapping and punching a former close friend who had set up a false account on Bebo after their friendship had deteriorated.
Tempress Vanity Walker was sentenced to 40 hours' community work for punching a woman after unfair material had been published on Bebo about her.
Detective Aaron Kennaway, of Nelson CIB, said young victims of internet bullying were under a great deal of pressure they often did not know how to deal with.
"In the old days, it was verbal rumours, then text rumours. Now it is online character assassination. People get frustrated and angry, and they lash out," he told The Nelson Mail.
Cyber bullying could lead victims to violence, but it could also lead them to feel suicidal.
"They think they haven't got a friend in the world; everyone is against them."
However, he urged people not to take matters into their own hands.
