WAILUKU » A Maui man must undergo anger management for splitting a teen’s head open with a mallet during a polo match.

The Maui News reported Thursday 58-year-old Wesley DeCoite was also sentenced to one-year probation. He pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of third-degree assault.

Deputy Prosecutor Kerry Glen says the 16-year-old victim didn’t want to see DeCoite serve any time behind bars.

The assault took place last year during a cowboy polo match in Makawao. According to court records, witnesses reported that DeCoite was playing very aggressively on an opposing team from the boy.

The teen was struck repeatedly in the head and chest. His mother says his head was split open, requiring stitches.

DeCoite apologized in court but said the teen should have been wearing a helmet.