A jealous ex-boyfriend will be sentenced in the Queenstown District Court next month for "serious violent offending" after punching a man in the face while he slept.
Ben Branaghan (25), chef, of England, admitted injuring Adam Shirra with reckless disregard for his safety at Queenstown on May 7.
Sergeant Ian Collin said Branaghan went to Highview Tce at 6am, wanting to speak to his former girlfriend after the five-year relationship ended. He then found Mr Shirra in bed with the woman.
"He yelled at her and pushed her out of the way, climbed on to the bed and punched Mr Shirra in the face with a closed fist while he was sleeping. He continued punching him five or six more times using a closed fist."
Another flatmate went into the room, pulled Branaghan off and told him to leave.
Sgt Collin said Mr Shirra sustained a broken nose, broken cheekbone and a swollen lip.
When spoken to by police, Branaghan admitted the facts and "simply stated he lost control when he saw the two of them in bed together and he knew he had done wrong".
Judge Kevin Phillips remanded Branaghan to July 25 for sentencing, ordering a pre-sentence report to address emotional harm reparation and home detention.
Branaghan's bail conditions were varied to allow him to work nights at a bar to earn money for emotional harm reparation.
