It was down to good fortune that a young man will not be facing prison a judge told him.
When Kim Anderson Paio 22, appeared for sentencing in the Whanganui District Court on Tuesday, Judge Phillip Crayton said he was lucky not to be facing a more serious charge.
Paio was previously convicted of dangerous driving and failing to stop after an accident on February 11 and ordered to attend a restorative justice programme.
Solicitor Stephanie Burlace said the restorative justice conference had been productive and Paio was "thankful that no-one was hurt" in the accident.
Judge Crayton reminded Paio that the accident he caused in Seddon St could have been serious.
"It is thanks to luck and good and fortune that we are not dealing with a dangerous driving causing death charge," he said.
Paio was disqualified from driving for six months, ordered to pay $500 in reparation and sentenced to 100 hours of community service.