A 22-year-old woman has been sentenced to home detention for her involvement in a violent assault in Taupō that left a man unconscious. Zandrier Brown was handed a 12-month home detention term and ordered to pay $500 for emotional harm after pleading guilty to injuring with intent to grievous bodily harm at Taupō District Court on Wednesday.

The attack took place outside a local bar following the ejection of two groups earlier in the night. According to Brown’s lawyer, the defendant expressed remorse after reviewing CCTV footage of the incident, describing herself as “disgusted” by her actions. The lawyer noted Brown had support from her family and was struggling to come to terms with the severity of her behavior.

Judge John Bergseng acknowledged Brown’s remorse but emphasized her active participation in what he described as a “serious attack” focused on the victim’s head. He detailed how Brown kicked the unconscious man multiple times, including four kicks to the head, while a male co-defendant also assaulted the victim. The judge described her role as “fully involved, boots and all,” noting she continued the assault even after the victim was knocked out and tried to force an apology via mobile phone.

Despite the gravity of the offense, Judge Bergseng took into account Brown’s lack of prior convictions and encouraged her to seek the right guidance in order to avoid future legal trouble. He warned that incarceration could likely lead to a cycle of repeated offenses.

Separately, Edward Eschbank appeared in court facing charges of resisting police and refusing to accompany officers. He did not attend in person due to a shoulder injury, with his lawyer submitting a medical certificate on his behalf. Eschbank’s lawyer described him as holding “staunch views” on the charges and confirmed he would plead not guilty. A judge-alone trial for Eschbank was scheduled for September 21.

In another case, Morgan Kanawa faced an assault charge after an incident in Taupō early Thursday morning. Kanawa’s lawyer entered a guilty plea on his behalf, with the prosecution stating the victim was rendered unconscious after initiating the physical altercation. Kanawa told police he did not wish to fight, claiming the other party started the conflict. His sentencing hearing is set for September 8.

Finally, Te Rangi Rahui appeared via audiovisual link on charges including two counts of indecent act and one of shoplifting. Due to a delay awaiting updated forensic reports and Rahui’s reported ill health, his lawyer requested an adjournment. Rahui will return to court on July 7 to continue proceedings.