Crash punch costs angry father $430

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After punching a man in the face following a car accident Adam Russell Tucker will be paying emotional harm payments of $300 to the victim.

Tucker pleaded guilty to a charge of assaulting a man when he appeared before Judge Tony Walsh in Masterton District Court recently.

Police prosecutor Garry Wilson told the court on August 19, Tucker and his victim were at different addresses on Te Ore Ore Rd about 10.30pm.

As Tucker reversed from his driveway and the man from Lake View School on the opposite side of the road their cars collided in the middle of the road, Mr Wilson said.

Tucker stopped further up the road and waited for the man to pull in behind of him.

"Enraged over the collision he walked back to the victim and spoke in an abusive manner. He punched the victim once in the mouth causing his lower lip to split and bleed ... he required four stitches."

After calming down, Tucker gave his details to the victim who later went to the Masterton Police Station laying an assault complaint.

In explanation, Tucker told police he was angry as his young daughter was sitting close to where the man's car hit his, Mr Wilson told the court.

Defence lawyer Jock Blathwayt said Tucker was beside himself at the time.

"He tells me is that he was incensed. He was upset ... he reacted badly," he told the court.

"He says he apologised at the time ... it was spur of the moment."

Judge Walsh convicted Tucker of assault and ordered him to pay $300 reparation to the victim at $20 per week with the first payment to start on September 11. He also ordered him to pay $130 in court costs.