Key Takeaways
- Hawaiki Dean Little was sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment for ill-treating his dog and assaulting his daughter and ex-partner.
- Little had a history of violent behavior, including previous convictions for family violence and assault with intent to injure.
- The judge noted that Little’s behavior was "callous and cruel" and that he had shown a "high risk of reoffending".
- Little was disqualified from owning a companion animal for five years and was required to forfeit any current ownership of a companion animal.
- He was also ordered to pay $198 reparation for vet costs and a $250 contribution to legal costs.
Introduction to the Case
The case of Hawaiki Dean Little is a disturbing example of animal cruelty and domestic violence. Little was sentenced in the Tauranga District Court for ill-treating his dog, Marama, and assaulting his daughter and ex-partner. The sentence was the result of a series of violent incidents that took place over several months. In one incident, Little was seen hitting Marama with a shovel, causing her to whimper and scurry backwards. When confronted by a witness, Little told her to "mind her own business" and claimed that he was hitting the dog because she had toileted on his deck.
The Incident with the Dog
The incident with Marama was reported to the SPCA, and inspectors attended Little’s address along with two police officers. Little confirmed that he was the man who had been complained about and showed the inspectors a small plastic dust pan and brush, which he claimed he had used to hit the dog. However, the inspectors were not convinced, and Marama was taken away and examined by a vet. The vet found that Marama was avoiding placing full weight on her right hind limb and flinched when patted on her left shoulder, back, and hip. The vet also observed skin discolouration indicative of bruising. The incident was a clear example of animal cruelty, and Little’s behavior was deemed "callous and cruel" by the judge.
The Assault on Little’s Daughter and Ex-Partner
In a separate incident, Little’s violence extended to his daughter and ex-partner. He became verbally abusive and broke down the door to the bedroom where they were hiding. As his daughter tried to stop him from assaulting her mother, Little put his hands around her neck and punched her to the right side of the ribs and to the side of her face. He also kicked her in the ribs. The judge noted that this incident was particularly disturbing, as it took place in a family home where the victims were "entitled to feel safe". The assault was a clear example of domestic violence, and Little’s behavior was deemed "inexcusable".
Little’s History of Violence
The court heard that Little had a history of violent behavior, including previous convictions for family violence and assault with intent to injure. He had also received an earlier written warning from the SPCA after video footage showed him using an object to strike a puppy around its head and neck area. The judge noted that Little’s comments to the pre-sentence report writer appeared to be trying to justify his behavior, and that he had shown a "high risk of reoffending". Despite this, Little claimed to be ashamed of himself and his behavior, and was remorseful and willing to engage in rehabilitation programmes.
The Sentence
The judge adopted a starting point of 16 months’ imprisonment for both sets of offending, and applied a 20% discount for Little’s guilty plea. He also applied a further 5% discount for background and remorse. However, the judge added a two-month uplift for Little’s previous convictions, resulting in a final sentence of 14 months’ imprisonment. Little was also disqualified from owning a companion animal for five years and was required to forfeit any current ownership of a companion animal. He was ordered to pay $198 reparation for vet costs and a $250 contribution to legal costs.
Conclusion
The case of Hawaiki Dean Little is a disturbing example of animal cruelty and domestic violence. The sentence handed down by the judge reflects the seriousness of the offending, and the need to protect both animals and humans from violent behavior. The case highlights the importance of holding perpetrators of violence accountable for their actions, and providing support and protection to victims of domestic violence and animal cruelty.