Partner locked in ship container

Being locked up in a shipping container was among the abuses and assaults a Kaitaia man inflicted on his partner, a jury has heard.

The 28-year-old is facing four charges of assault with intent to injure, two of injuring with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, two of unlawful sexual connection, two of kidnapping and a single charge of injuring with intent to injure.

A week-long trial started before a jury of six men and six women in the High Court at Whangarei yesterday.

Crown solicitor Mike Smith told the jury that the relationship between the accused and the complainant lasted three to four months.

During the relationship, he assaulted her on a number of occasions with open palm or hand, kicked her and required her to perform sexual acts on him, Mr Smith said.

He said the complainant would make up stories about her injuries when questioned by her family, but sought medical advice for injuries to her rib.

The woman had her head banged against a concrete floor, tools rubbed on her face and she was forced to perform oral sex on him.

On one occasion, Mr Smith said the man forced her inside a shipping container, which was located next to a bach owned by his family, and shot at the door for a few minutes. At one stage, she ran away to Taumarunui - 68km north west of Turangi - with help from her family and stayed with a friend before moving back with the accused.

Mr Smith said on most occasions, the man showed remorse before the pair got back together.

Towards the end of 2011, the complainant ended their relationship with support from her family and later spoke to police.

The man denied assaulting her in any way when questioned by police.