Man confronted woman, 62

A man who confronted a 62-year-old woman because she parked in front of his car has been ordered to pay almost $1000 in reparation.

Sheldon Daniel Hedges, 32, appeared in the Nelson District Court yesterday, admitting charges of intentional damage and offensive behaviour.

The court heard that on the evening of August 20 Hedges was parked at BP Haven Rd, when the woman parked near his car in a way that partially blocked him from leaving.

When he returned to his vehicle, Hedges asked the woman to move her car. She responded that there was enough room for him to drive around.

Hedges then became abusive, got in his car, backed into the woman's car, and drove away.

The victim impact statement said the woman felt intimidated and had to leave her job because of the stress and trauma caused by the incident.

She was seeking reparation for the damage to her car, loss of income and emotional harm.

Lawyer Tim Spear said Hedges "accepted that he had made a bad call".

Hedges suffered from depression and anger-management issues and was on medication, as well as undergoing independent psychiatric treatment.

"You're very brave for taking on a 62-year-old woman," said Judge Tony Zohrab.

He convicted and discharged Hedges on the charge of offensive behaviour, and ordered him to pay the woman $927 reparation, including $500 for emotional harm.

- © Fairfax NZ News