A Rotomanu man charged with assault with a blunt instrument and possessing a needle, yesterday sought an amendment to his bail conditions allowing him contact with his victim -- so the pair could plan their upcoming nuptials.
Jeremy Donald Harcourt admitted both charges in the Greymouth District Court.
On August 6 Harcourt and the victim were at a Thompson St address in Greymouth, when Harcourt picked up and struck the woman with a poker during a disagreement.
She was left with welts on her body and legs.
Lawyer George Linder said the victim hit Harcourt first and he just tapped her on the behind with the poker.
Judge Charles Blackie said it was more than just a simple tap - "she was left with welts on her leg".
Mr Linder then asked for the non-association clause in Harcourt's bail conditions to be changed as it was causing difficulties because the couple were planning to get married.
Police prosecutor Glenn Henderson said he had real concerns about changing the bail conditions.
"The dynamics between the two of them is not good. They are as bad as each other," Mr Henderson said.
Harcourt was convicted and remanded on bail on both charges for sentencing on December 14.
Judge Blackie said he would revisit the bail application on Friday, once he had received confirmation from the victim that she would feel safe if the non-association clause was removed, as well as proof the couple were intending to marry.
"This is an unusual situation - you are faced with an assault charge and looking at getting married to the person you assaulted," the judge said to Harcourt.
