A Dunedin man who knocked out three men has given up alcohol after a judge said his actions had "devastating consequences".
Nukuroa Poutama Mareikura McLean, 19, appeared in the Dunedin District Court last week, one year after he was charged with intending to injure a partygoer in Hyde St.
On October 1 last year, McLean attended a student party for a "few minutes", the court heard.
The victim grabbed him by the collar and McLean responded by punching him in the face.
The blow knocked the victim unconscious and fractured his eye socket.
Counsel Karlena Lawrence said her client believed he was about to be attacked by the victim and his actions were "pre-emptive".
In May, while on bail, McLean attended another party in Forth St.
The defendant approached a young man, accusing him of inappropriately touching a woman.
As the victim attempted to walk away, McLean punched him in the face, causing his head to hit a concrete wall and a windowsill.
He too was instantly knocked out.
As the victim’s friend attempted to help, McLean punched him in the face causing him to fall to the ground.
One of the victims spent almost two weeks in hospital and was fitted with a metal plate under his left eye.
Each of them were forced to take time away from work or study because of the significant health issues they faced, including headaches, drowsiness, neck pain and bruising.
Statements from two of the men described how they could only study for an hour at a time before needing to lie down because of head pain.
"A single punch can and has had devastating consequences for each of these three men," Judge Robinson said.
McLean said he had a "very limited recollection of the violence" because of consuming about 18 drinks before one of the assaults.
"The driving factor in this was his alcohol use which has come right down to zero ... He doesn’t miss it," Ms Lawrence said.
In response to the criminal charges, McLean had reportedly begun counselling and relocated to live with his family.
"Mr McLean has taken this very seriously ... He knows exactly what he has done to the three victims," she said.
The defendant was convicted of injuring by unlawful act, assault with intent to injure and assault.
Judge Robinson believed he had been "undercharged", drawing attention to the serious nature of the attacks.
"You can consider yourself particularly fortunate."
McLean was sentenced to six months’ home detention, 100 hours’ community work and ordered to pay a total of $2500 reparation to his victims.
"We need to make sure students know there are real consequences when the hard partying culture turns into violence," the judge said.
