Nightclub brawler "too intoxicated" to remember hits

A Tauranga based man has pleaded guilty to assault with intent to injure after repeatedly hitting a man in the head in a Nelson nightclub.

Tuhere Kingi, 27, appeared in Nelson District Court on Monday after he began hitting a man in Bridge St nightclub Malbas.

According to the police summary of facts, on 8 August at about 2.45am, Kingi was drinking near the bar when he suddenly became violent.

Kingi began punching the nearby victim multiple times with his fist, striking the victims face, neck and arms.

Security had to pull Kingi away from the victim.

As a result of the blows, the victim suffered a big bruise and swelling above his right temple and bruising to his neck.

Kingi told police he was remorseful of the incident that he was “too intoxicated” to remember.

He says a friend had to tell him of the assault the following day.

Kingi travelled from Tauranga to plead guilty to this charge and is due for sentencing in November.