A Japanese tourist was celebrating his second anniversary with his wife when they got into a fight over a passport and he punched her. Takahide Nishio then shoved his wife, Takako, before dragging her along the ground and then sitting on her for 10 minutes. The couple, who are from Kyoto, Japan are travelling in a campervan around New Zealand. Now Nishio has found himself in the Queenstown District Court being sentenced for a charge of assault on a person in a family relationship and
a charge of resisting police. The tourist, who does not speak English, was supported by a Japanese interpreter via video. According to the summary of facts read out in court by Judge Mark Williams, the couple were staying at a Queenstown holiday park. “You two argued over a passport. You punched your partner on the shoulder, you then pushed her with open palms,” he said. “You then grabbed her jacket and pushed her on to the ground. You dragged her along the ground before sitting
on her for about 10 minutes.” Onlookers called police and when they arrived Nishio resisted arrest by holding his arms across his chest to avoid being handcuffed. “You then head-butted the window and kicked the door of the police car,” Judge Williams said. In a letter to the court, Nishio said he regretted his actions and was sorry for the pain he had caused. “Your reaction towards the police was a result of you panicking because you do not speak English. You apologised to your
partner and to the other guests of the campground,” Judge Williams said. Nishio acknowledged he needed professional help with regard to alcohol and also needed help to deal with his emotions. “You want to offer your apologies to everyone who’s been involved.” His wife also provided a letter to the court which said she was sad, angry and upset with her husband. His bail conditions imposed on him last week meant the couple had to be separated for the week. This had left the wife
feeling isolated, Judge Williams said. “I accept that has been stressful for both of you.” Judge Williams imposed a good behaviour bond and, if Nishio was to offend again while in New Zealand, he could be resentenced on the two charges. Nishio would make a $500 donation to Women’s Refuge and continue travelling with his wife. They are in the country until June 13 when they plan to head to Australia.
Queenstown, Japanese tourist, assault, family relationship charge, resisting police, Women’s Refuge, passport argument, anniversary trip