Tyler Bailey Ashton Penson, 22, appeared in the Dunedin District Court yesterday after admitting a charge of injuring by unlawful act — the product of "things getting out of control pretty quickly", counsel John Westgate said.
The defendant was leaving a Dunedin bar with his partner early on July 7 when he spotted a white Suzuki in Princes St.
It was the man he owed $125 for cannabis.
Ashton Penson and his partner got into their vehicle and travelled north to their Liberton home.
The victim followed.
Ashton Penson got out of his car carrying a glass in each hand and immediately approached the Suzuki, throwing one of the glasses, the court heard.
He opened the driver’s door, prompting the victim to punch him in the face.
Ashton Penson responded by striking the victim over the head with the remaining glass, breaking the man’s spectacles and causing a wound on his forehead.
As the blood poured, the victim reversed and then drove forward, pinning the defendant’s partner against the car in front, before backing up again and leaving the scene.
Ashton Penson needed hospital treatment for a head injury he suffered from the punch and the victim needed five staples, which left him with a scar on his forehead, the court heard.
In a written statement, the man said his mental health and his studies had been adversely affected by the incident.
Mr Westgate said it was the victim who had thrown the first blow and stressed his client had not planned for such a violent confrontation.
"There was minimal predetermination. He just struck out spontaneously and it hit the victim’s head," Mr Westgate said.
"It’s probably good luck nothing more serious occurred."
The court heard Ashton Penson had recently become a father and, such was his desire to be an engaged parent, was scheduled to begin a course imminently.
The defendant’s previous convictions were driving related and there was no violence on his record, Mr Westgate said.
Ashton Penson was sentenced to five months’ community detention and 10 months’ supervision and was ordered to pay the victim $1000.
The victim has pleaded not guilty to assault with a weapon and injuring with intent to injure over the episode and will be back before the court in July.
