Shayne Bartlett Hitaua pleads guilty to choking, suffocation, strangulation

An aspiring rapper who referred to himself as a monster before strangling a woman nearly unconscious, has risked deportation and his future career after a judge passed his sentence.

An aspiring rapper called himself a monster during an attack on a woman. Picture: FILE

An aspiring rapper has been sentenced for calling himself “a monster” before punching and strangling a woman near the point of losing consciousness.

Shayne Bartlett Hitaua pleaded guilty to one count of choking suffocation strangulation domestic relationship (domestic violence offence), one count of common assault (domestic violence offence) and one count of enter premises and commit indictable offence (domestic violence offence), at Beenleigh District Court on Wednesday.

A crown prosecutor told the court Hitaua, 31, has a limited history for drugs and property offending.

“An argument broke out, he punched a hole in a wardrobe and then struck her in the face,” a prosecutor said.

The court heard Hitaua was under the influence of methamphetamines and apologised after he struck the woman’s face and then strangled her for a significant period of time.

Hitaua referred to himself as a monster after strangling the woman, judge said.

“She felt like she would pass out,” she said.

A defence barrister said Hitaua is from New Zealand and could risk deportation.

“He was expelled from Springwood High School in year 11 but is an industrious chap having completed a qualification in audio engineering,” a barrister said.

“He wishes to pursue a career as a rap recording artist.

“He is receiving treatment for PTSD and anxiety,” he said.

A judge told Hitaua his letter of apology seemed genuine and encouraged him to pursue a music career.

Hitaua’s 12 months in custody were considered time already served.

He was sentenced to 2.5 years probation with immediate release.

Convictions were recorded.