Justice David Richardson-King (27), of Dunedin, yesterday appeared for sentence before Judge John Brandts-Giesen in the Invercargill District Court on charges of threatening a person with a Taser, unlawfully in possession of a Taser, both at Gore on June 4; failing to stop at and dangerous driving at Balclutha on July 27; failing to stop and driving while unlicensed at Mataura on July 29.
According to the police summary of facts, Richardson-King was at the BP petrol station in Gore about 7am on June 4 doing maintenance on his car.
Richardson-King made a comment to the victim as he walked past him on the forecourt.
Richardson-King then got into the passenger seat in the car and and while leaving the station, pulled the middle finger at the victim.
The victim reciprocated with the same sign, then Richardson-King called him a "n.....".
The car Richardson-King was in pulled up beside the victim’s vehicle and he got out of the car.
After the victim approached the defendant, Richardson-King leaned into the vehicle and took out a Taser.
The victim heard the cracking of the Taser and saw the defendant arcing it at his side before Richardson-King started to move towards him.
"There was a brief altercation between both parties before the defendant returned to his vehicle and left," the summary said.
Judge Brandts-Giesen said Richardson-King had been able to address some of his demons while on remand.
Because of his past history of home detention, Judge Brandts-Giesen said he had no option other than jail, but was impressed with the steps Richardson-King had taken to turn his life around.
"You really have some good in you, I’m quite sure.
"You have the rather fancy name of Justice — it’s time you live up to your name."
Judge Brandts-Giesen also ordered six months’ post release conditions and disqualified him from driving for 12 months.
Other sentences imposed by Judge Brandts-Giesen in the Invercargill District Court yesterday were. —
■Leroy Alex Brown (43), of Clutha, assault of a person in family relationship, two charges of breach of protection order, Invercargill, February 5; two breaches of release conditions, Invercargill, February 6; stealing petrol, Invercargill, February 21; sent letters containing threats, Balclutha, sometime between April 21 and June 9; 19 months’ jail, six months’ post-release conditions; reparation $117.78.
■Vincent Hollands (32), mill hand, of Riverton, drink-driving (600mcg), Riverton, November 12, fined $650, court costs $130, disqualified six months.
