Could be out in nine months

The Waikato Times reports:

A Hamilton meter reader bashed on the job was left with such severe brain injuries he no longer recognised his own children, who described him as an echo of the man they once knew.

Even the victim’s hugs were different, a court heard.

Sentenced to 28 months’ jail Adam Battensby, 33, wept in the dock as his own father told him he had brought shame on their family.

The offender is a recidivist who was on bail for other offending at the time. He almost killed the victim and has left him severely brain damaged.

But he could be out on parole in just nine months. Incredible.