15 Jan 2016

Man tried to force ex-partner to drink his blood

5:03 pm on 15 January 2016

A Wellington man who cut his wrist and tried to force his former partner to drink his blood has avoided a jail sentence.

Wellington District Court.

Wellington District Court. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson

Thomas Knudsen, 28, appeared for sentencing in the Wellington District Court today after being charged with four charges of assaulting a female and one of possession of an offensive weapon.

He was sentenced to six months' home detention and ordered to do 100 hours of community work

The court heard that Knudsen was extremely upset when his former partner ended their five-month relationship and repeatedly contacted her on social media, asking that they get back together.

Knudsen later visited the woman's home and refused to leave when asked.

He forced her into a bedroom and sat on top of her on her bed for about two hours. She believed he would harm himself if he was not allowed to stay the night.

Knudsen allowed the woman to use the bathroom, but he insisted she leave the door open so he could see her.

Eventually they fell asleep and the following day Knudsen took a large knife from the woman's kitchen and cut his left wrist, saying things like "I can't handle this anymore".

He then told her he wanted her to drink his blood so they could be part of each other and tried to force his bloody wrist into her mouth.

The woman struggled free and Knudsen then gave her a series of requests and said he would kill himself if she did not agree.

The requests included allowing him to stay the night at her home and that she ring in sick and not go to work the next day.

The woman eventually managed to seek help and Knudsen was arrested.

The Crown sought a jail sentence, but Knudsen's lawyer said his client had mental health issues and his family would support him if he was allowed to stay in the community.

Judge Josephine Bouchier said there were many concerning aspects to the case, including the fact that Knudsen made the woman keep the door open while on the toilet, and prevented her going to work.

She granted Knudsen's ex-partner a protection order and told Knudsen he would be charged with breaching it if he tried to contact the woman by any means, including telephone, facebook or any other kind of social media.