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Dunedin Court Discharges Dental Student After Bar Assault

8/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Dunedin District Court discharged Benjamin Sorensen, a 25-year-old dentistry student, without conviction after he headbutted a man in a bar, causing injuries.
Counsel Alan de Jager warned that a conviction for assault would likely ruin his chances of registering with the Dental Council of New Zealand.
Judge Josephine Bouchier noted his remorse and faculty references in granting the discharge.

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Story summary

Dunedin District Court discharged Benjamin Sorensen, a 25-year-old dentistry student, without conviction after he headbutted a man in a bar, causing injuries.
Counsel Alan de Jager warned that a conviction for assault would likely ruin his chances of registering with the Dental Council of New Zealand.
Judge Josephine Bouchier noted his remorse and faculty references in granting the discharge.