One-punch assault knocks out man

A man attempting to diffuse an argument between a couple took a punch to the head that knocked him unconscious.

The 29-year-old who threw the punch, Potiki Moore, was outside a pub in central New Plymouth about 11pm on October 9.

Moore and his partner were having a ‘‘heated argument’’ and the victim, known to the couple, attempted to intervene, the New Plymouth District Court was told on Thursday. The victim, who had no time to react, was punched once in the head by Moore.

‘‘The force of the punch knocked the victim off his feet, causing him to fall backwards possibly already unconscious, as he made no attempt to slow, break or adjust how he was falling backwards onto the concrete pavement,’’ the police summary of facts stated.

The victim landed on his back and smashed his head on the pavement, within centimetres of a concrete staircase.

Moore immediately left the scene without checking on the victim.

Emergency services were called and the victim was taken to hospital with a head injury, a laceration to his face and a twisted knee and ankle.

In court, Moore admitted a charge of injuring with intent to injure, which carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.

Judge Gregory Hikaka called for a pre-sentence report and referred the matter to restorative justice.

Moore will be sentenced on March 11.