Attack over car fine costs $2000

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A Wellington parking warden who was knocked unconscious and kicked by a man angry at his wife's car being ticketed is to be paid $2000 by his attacker.

The warden was attacked by Shane Dean Penetito, 44, of Tawa, who pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to injure.

Members of the public had to pull Penetito off the warden.

Wellington District Court judge Mike Behrens, QC, said the 19-year- old warden had ticketed Penetito's wife's car on September 6 last year in Abel Smith St. The warden took a picture of the car, which was standard practice.

The wife thought she would take a picture of the warden and put her arm up in his face, along with her phone.

When the warden batted her hand away from his face, Penetito punched the man, while holding a metal ratchet in his hand. The warden fell unconscious to the ground and Penetito kicked him twice.

The warden suffered a fractured forehead and cheekbone and needed 14 stitches to close cuts on his face. His teeth and gums still felt numb because of nerve damage.

Judge Behrens said that even before the assault, Penetito had confronted the warden, pretending to head-butt him.

The incident was an attack on a public official, who had the right not to be assaulted by members of the public for doing his job.

Judge Behrens sentenced Penetito to six months' community detention and imposed an 8pm till 6am curfew. He also ordered him to do nine months' supervision and pay $2000 to the parking warden.

Defence lawyer Craig Smith said Penetito knew he had gone too far and regretted the incident.

- © Fairfax NZ News