He beat up a man on the street, made a ham-fisted attempt to steal meat, ran a red light, and possessed methamphetamine.

But former gang member Caine David Errol Waihi, 29, of Palmerston North, was not sent to the familiar confines of prison when sentenced on one charge each of assault, shoplifting, possessing methamphetamine and careless driving – as well as two counts of breaching prison release conditions.

In the Palmerston North District Court yesterday, Judge Jennifer Binns instead imposed home detention on Waihi, a sentence he had yet to serve.

"Try to embrace this sentence with open arms," the judge said.

On October 10 last year, it was Waihi's closed fists that did the damage when he assaulted a man on the street – punching him in the head – and accusing him of getting into a fight with his cousin.

The victim was a solo father who said in a victim impact statement that he now feared for his and his child's safety.

Five days later, Waihi tried to steal about $60 worth of steak and chicken from Steve's Wholesale Food in Palmerston North, but his attempts were not successful.

On January 10, he drove through a red light, and was later found with two "point bags" of methamphetamine.

Letters to the court from family members spoke of Waihi's desire to change, Judge Binns said.

"You are motivated to become a better person and a family man."

Once $2880 worth of fines were remitted, Judge Binns said Waihi would serve four months' and three weeks' home detention.

"You are at an age and stage to make a commitment to your family. This is an opportunity for you to do so."

Waihi will also have to do 40 hours' community work, pay $29.88 for damaged meat and be disqualified from driving for six months.