A young man caught fighting in a Bay of Plenty street told police he "had to take a stand against people terrorising the neighbourhood."
But Judge Paul Geoghegan told 20-year-old Troy Benjamin Scherer in Tauranga District Court today to stop kidding himself.
"It's nonsense to think you are some sort of knight in shining armour."
Scherer pleaded guilty to a charge of behaving in a manner that was likely in the circumstances to cause violence. He also admitted a breach of community work.
The court heard the defendant had a list of convictions for fighting and other violent offending.
"This is a man who wants me to believe he is some sort of neighbourhood saviour," said the judge, telling Scherer to "buck up and wake up."
Prosecuting counsel David Pawson said the defendant was one of about 15 people "exchanging blows" in Papamoa's Topaz Drive about 8pm on December 21.
He became very aggressive when police intervened.
The breach of community work was the second Scherer had committed under the same sentence, lawyer Simon Whitehead said.
"I had a good talk with him and he realises he has to get through his hours."
Judge Geoghegan asked if counsel could also have "a good talk" to his client about his large amount of outstanding fines.
"Why don't I just send him to prison, wipe his fines and give him a clean slate?"
Mr Whitehead said Scherer had a job as a bricklayer and wanted to pay off his fines.
Going to jail would expose him to people who might influence him for the worse.
"You can't come here and expect the court to do you a favour," the judge told Scherer.
He remanded the defendant on bail until March 24 for sentencing.
