During sentencing, Judge Mika said that after listening to complainant Robinson and four eyewitnesses, he had gained an idea of ​​what happened on that fateful February evening this year.

He said it was clear that Robinson was in a relationship with Rachel Metcalf until earlier this year. However, as of February, he was in a relationship with Watson.

The judge said that on February 12, the day of the fight, Robinson and Metcalf exchanged messages before coming to his home to buy drugs. Watson went with him.

Robinson argued with Metcalf inside the house and told Watson to leave. The judge said the incident escalated into a violent, physical fight when Watson and Robinson were armed with guns.

Judge Mika said that the fight started inside the house and did not spread outside later. Robinson hit Watson several times with a stick or hockey stick.

The judge said both men “suffered quite serious injuries”.

Watson stabbed Robinson in the shoulder and neck, cutting off his finger. Watson’s own injuries included a cut and bruise to his thigh and cuts to his shin and left arm.

Both men needed medical attention and Watson required surgery.

Judge Mika said the violence was among the aggravating factors as the fight started inside the house before going out into the front garden. There was also the matter of Watson using the knife to stab Robinson and the impact this had on the victim. Watson refused to leave the house.

Taking into account Watson’s guilty plea and Robinson’s behavior that day, Judge Mika imposed a starting point of 20 months in prison and reduced this period to 12 months.

“The victim also used a gun during this physical altercation, resulting in serious injuries to Mr. Watson, which required a number of surgeries,” he said.

It was likely that Watson would be released from custody immediately once the period expired.

Judge Mika imposed a series of release conditions, including that Watson attend any program recommended by his probation officer, not be drunk in public, not visit Robinson’s address or contact him or his daughter.

Catherine Hutton is an Open Justice reporter based in Wellington. He worked as a journalist for 20 years, including for the Waikato Times and RNZ. Most recently, he was working as a media consultant at the Ministry of Justice.