A student who broke a whisky glass over the head of a stranger in a bar was at a loss to explain his behaviour yesterday.
Jaraz Francis Lee Waerea (30) appeared for sentencing in the Dunedin District Court on a charge of assault with a weapon.
Waerea, who had no previous convictions, was in a bar in the Octagon in central Dunedin on July 15 about 1am.
He approached a woman, gave her a hug, and asked her to dance.
She said she would dance with him in five minutes, and he returned a short time later and asked her again.
Judge Dominic Flatley said the victim, believing Waerea's attentions were unwelcome, told him to "jog on''.
Waerea poured his drink of whisky over the man, then "smashed the glass into the back of the victim's head'', before running into the inside area of the bar, where he was detained by bar staff.
The victim needed seven stitches to his head and right ear. Judge Flatley asked Waerea in court what the offending was about and Waerea said he did not know.
"It was very strange and completely out of character, and random,'' he said.
"`I was just drunk and I had no idea why I would do something like that.''
Judge Flatley said the attack was "completely unprovoked'' and people going out should "not have to fear that it could happen to them''.
He accepted Waerea was very embarrassed and remorseful.
Defence counsel Sophia Thorburn said since the incident Waerea, who was studying towards a bachelor's degree and working as a kitchenhand, had been very cautious about the effect alcohol had on him.
He had saved money to pay reparation to the victim, and had "made a lot of effort to make things right''.
Waerea was sentenced to four months' community detention, and 250 hours' community work, as well as nine months' supervision, alcohol counselling, and any other counselling deemed appropriate.
He was ordered to pay $1090 in reparation and a further emotional harm payment of $300.
