A Rotorua man who assaulted a teacher outside a school in front of hundreds of pupils because he thought he was "being cheeky" is still on the run, two months after he was due to be sentenced.

Sheldon Tawhiti-Ormsby, who had entered a plea of guilty to one charge of common assault at Rotorua District Court on March 13 this year, was set to be sentenced on May 9 but never appeared at court.

He faced a maximum penalty of one year in jail.

A police spokesperson says he "remains outstanding and inquiries to locate him are ongoing".

The assault charge related to an incident on February 27 this year outside Rotorua Intermediate School when science teacher Alasdair Hay was directing traffic outside the school.

The police summary of facts revealed the incident began when Hay asked the driver of a Toyota, that Tawhiti-Ormsby was a passenger, in to follow the flow of traffic. However, the driver refused the request.

When Hay used his phone to photograph the vehicle, those in the car began verbally abusing him.

Then Tawhiti-Ormsby got out of the car and "charged" at Hay.

"The defendant circled the victim before punching him to the face with a closed fist causing the victim to stumble to the ground," the summary says.

Tawhiti-Ormsby, who has previously been before the court, admitted the assault to police, saying he was "angry at the victim because he thought the victim was being cheeky".

Police say any information to help locate Tawhiti-Ormbsy can be shared on the non-emergency 105 number or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

-Stuff.co.nz/Benn_Bathgate