Tackling the man who took his motorbike for a joyride cost a Masterton man his finger.

Last month's incident had its follow-up in court yesterday when Jason Dean Hart, 17, pleaded guilty to burglary, unlawful taking of the motorcycle, and dangerous driving causing injury.

Briggs Pilkington, 22, also lost a tooth and suffered bruising to his face and body and cuts to his legs.

He had thrown himself at Hart, who was riding Mr Pilkington's 125cc Pit Bike motorcycle at Masterton's Queen Elizabeth Park.

Spokes on the bike severed Mr Pilkington's index finger above the knuckle, and police failed to find it.

Yesterday, Masterton District Court was told that Hart had kicked in the door to a South Belt garage on September 25, cutting a metal chain to steal the $1000 bike.

As he rode to the park Mr Pilkington, who had discovered the theft, recognised the bike.

He tried to intercept Hart, who was known to him, causing him to crash.

Hart fled but was tracked by a police dog to nearby Henley Lake and arrested.

Judge Stephen Harrop convicted Hart, remanding him on bail for sentencing in December.

He allowed Hart to approach Mr Pilkington to see if restorative justice was appropriate.

- © Fairfax NZ News