Car clip motorist kicked in face

Angry after a minor mishap on the road, a man wearing heavy work boots kicked another motorist in the face, writes Deena Coster.

About 7.15pm on December 20, Tui Pakahiwi Tamou was sitting in his stationary vehicle on Waihi Rd in Normanby, South Taranaki, as he waited to turn right into the driveway of his home.

Sergeant Steve Hickey told the Ha¯ wera District Court how the victim had been travelling behind Tamou but had not allowed enough distance as he passed and clipped the left wing mirror of the defendant’s car.

After realising what had happened, the man pulled his car over. Tamou followed and parked behind.

The 34-year-old got out of his car and approached the victim, who had opened his car door but stayed inside, Hickey said. Tamou was wearing heavy work boots.

‘‘The defendant verbally abused the victim then proceeded to inflict a single kick at him which connected with his face,’’ Hickey said.

The kick caused the victim’s eye to swell up immediately and heavy bruising. However, he did not need medical treatment.

‘‘In explanation, the defendant stated that he lost it and regretted what he had done straight afterwards,’’ Hickey said.

Tamou pleaded guilty to a charge of common assault during yesterday’s court hearing.

Lawyer Neal Harding said Tamou accepted what he had done and had been remorseful. At the time of the incident, Harding said the defendant was tired and looking forward to seeing his family after a long shift at work.

Judge Garry Barkle said it was a ‘‘shame’’ for Tamou to be back in court after a long break since his last conviction and while it was accepted he was tired and frustrated, his violent reaction could not be justified in any way.

He said the kick could have caused the man some discomfort.

Tamou was ordered to pay the man $500 and complete 120 hours of community work.