A 40-year-old Blenheim man thanked a district court judge yesterday for giving him a chance to turn his life around.
James Gardiner was sentenced to 100 hours' community work and two years' intensive supervision after he admitted resisting police, two charges of assaulting police and possession of cannabis.
Judge John Walker said the police were called to a party on September 25, where Gardiner, who was drunk, was asked to leave.
Gardiner kissed the male officer when asked for his details.
When police said he was under arrest, Gardiner tried to headbutt the officer and kicked him in the leg. He also tried to headbutt another officer when he was being processed at the station.
Defence counsel Philip Watson said Gardiner had 15 pages of convictions, most involving alcohol or drugs.
Judge Walker said Gardiner was no stranger to the court system.
"Hardly a year goes by that you're not in court and often it's many times [a year]," he said.
"At the age of 40, are you going to be in court for the next 30 years or are you going to get on with it in a meaningful way?"
Judge Walker also called for judicial monitoring, which involves a report every three months on Gardiner's progress with supervision.
As Gardiner left the dock, he turned to thank Judge Walker.
"Thank you for the opportunity," he said.
The Marlborough Express
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