A Tongan man who punched and kicked a young man who walked past him outside Parliament House faces deportation, a Hobart court has heard.
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Neil Armstrong Langi Naufahu, 30, of Goodwood had pleaded guilty to assault in the early hours of May 5 this year.
His lawyer Andrei Slicer told the Supreme Court in Hobart on Monday that because his visa had been suspended Naufahu was unable to work and faced an "uncertain future".
"There is a real risk he will be deported as a consequence of this charge," Mr Slicer said.
The Home Affairs Minister or delegated departmental officer may cancel a visa and a person can be deported.
Mr Slicer said Naufahu had worked as a welder at Incat since arriving in Australia to be with his wife and now 10-year-old son in 2017.
He was increasingly arguing with his wife and was feeling "despondency and anger" and had been drinking before the assault on the young man happened, the court was told.
"It was neither pre-meditated or planned and he has has unconditionally apologised," Mr Slicer said.
Justice David Porter said he wanted to consider a pre-sentencing submission and adjourned sentence until December 16.
He remanded Naufahu in custody.