Chainsaw used after pub threat

A Waimate man who refused to drop his trousers after losing a game of pool used a chainsaw to defend himself because he knew he was going to get a hiding, the Timaru District Court has been told.

The 21-year-old man, who has interim name suppression, has pleaded not guilty to the charge of possession of an offensive weapon and appeared yesterday for a defended hearing before Judge Brian Callaghan.

Witnesses told the court how the man had lost a game of pool in the Waimate Hotel on June 4 and was required to do a lap of the table with his pants down.

When the defendant refused and tried to leave, there was a scuffle. Witnesses said they chased the defendant but lost sight of him when they caught up with his associate.

They next saw him rounding the corner with a chainsaw, which he tried to start several times and waved around in an attempt to hit them, the court was told.

The defendant said he had run to where his vehicle was parked. He said he knew he was going to get a hiding and because it would have taken too long to get in the car and drive off, he decided to get his chainsaw from the back of his vehicle.

The defendant said he did not start up the chainsaw because it did not have any petrol and there would have been no point because everyone in Waimate would have got a fright.

He said he did hold it up and tell the other parties to go away or he would hit them with it.

A fight broke out involving all parties and the chainsaw was dropped on the ground.

Judge Callaghan said he required time to consider the legal issues so the case was adjourned until this morning when a decision will be given.

- © Fairfax NZ News