Polo mallet assault gets Maui man anger treatment
WAILUKU, Hawaii—A Maui man must undergo anger management for splitting a teen's head open with a mallet during a polo match.
Wesley DeCoite, 58, pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of third-degree assault. He also was sentenced to one-year probation, The Maui News ( http://bit.ly/MEDWT0) reported Thursday.
Deputy Prosecutor Kerry Glen says the 16-year-old victim didn't want to see DeCoite serve time behind bars.
The assault took place last year during a cowboy polo match in Makawao. According to court records, witnesses reported that DeCoite was playing very aggressively on an opposing team from the boy.
The teen was struck repeatedly in the head and chest. His mother says his head was split open, requiring stitches.
DeCoite apologized in court but said the teen should have been wearing a helmet.
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Information from: The Maui News, http://www.mauinews.com
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