$35,000 damage after bid to repossess car

File photo / APN

A man has been arrested and will face charges after he allegedly caused $35,000 damage while attempting to stop his car being repossessed yesterday.

The 57-year-old man, who reportedly owed $14,000 on a Ford Falcon, was spotted by the car-yard owner drinking in the bar at the Ugly Duck restaurant in New Plymouth, the Taranaki Daily News reported.

The car-yard owner called a repossession company and police.

When the man went to the car park, he found the entrance blocked off by the car-yard owner, Darryl MacDonald, who wanted the car back.

The man then jumped into his car and locked the door.

A repossession agent arrived and blocked off the entrance with his vehicle.

The man then drove the Falcon at full speed into both the cars causing extensive damage. A Jaguar parked nearby was also damaged.

Total repair cost for all vehicles was expected to top $35,000.

The man was arrested and will face wilful damage and careless driving charges when he appears in New Plymouth District Court on February 24.

- NZPA