Smashed glass hit victim when man caved in car window for work bag

Daniel Stephen Guilford was convicted of wilful damage at Whanganui District Court on Tuesday, April 17. Photo/ File

A Whanganui man has been convicted of wilful damage after he smashed a vehicle window as his daughter's mother tried to leave the premises.

The victim was hit by shattered glass and their daughter was also in the back seat, the Whanganui District Court was told on Tuesday.

Daniel Stephen Guilford said that he was only trying to get his bag out of the vehicle as he needed it for work.

Lawyer for the defendant Richard Leith said that Guildford and the victim were having issues.

"The night before they'd been having some issues and she needed a break," he said.

"He was fearful that without his bag, he wouldn't be able to work the next day."

The two both have children with other people and do not live together.

Guilford said that as he works full time, he was in a position to pay a fine.

Judge Philip Crayton sentenced Guilford to six months' supervision and ordered that he pay $300 in reparation and emotional harm.

"Mr Guilford you now have a conviction for family violence," he said.

"You cannot act like that towards anybody, let alone the person that is looking after your child."