A Dunedin man attacked his partner and ripped a family-harm alarm from the wall during his rampage, a court has heard. In a statement, the defendant’s partner said the family had been ‘‘walking on eggshells’’ around the man because of his erratic behaviour. ‘‘She speaks of fear, frustration, stress, exhaustion, and ultimately that’s down to you,’’ Judge David Robinson told Sinclair. Judge Robinson said the defendant had acknowledged some of the blame but raised substance abuse and other issues which had contributed to his state. ‘‘I get really worried, really concerned for victims, when I see family harm alarms damaged and phones broken,’’ Judge Robinson said.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 09, 2026 17:38 UTC