Bennett in Borrows trial: 'I actually don't mind a protest'

Deputy Prime Minster Paula Bennett was in the car with MP Chester Borrows when protesters stood in the way. Photo / Stuart Munro.

Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett has taken the stand to testify in the trial of an MP charged with careless driving.

Chester Borrows, 59, has been charged with careless driving causing injury following an anti-TPP protest in the city last year.

Two women were run over and suffered minor injuries when protesters blocked the path of Borrows' car, with Ms Bennett also inside.

Bennett told the Whanganui District Court she was not feeling that worried once she was in a car with the doors locked.

She knew police were there and she was mostly concerned a sex toy would be thrown at her and that would be portrayed in the media.

She said she was looking at the car's dashboard and avoiding eye contact as she thought looking at the protesters would would only inflame the situation.

Under questioning, Bennett said she didn't recall a patchwork banner being immediately in front of car.

"I actually don't mind a protest. I like that it's part of New Zealand society. I thought good on them for having a voice," Bennett said

The judge-alone trial has proceeded into a second day after Judge Stephanie Edwards decided to continue.

At the end of Monday's proceedings, Borrows' lawyer Nathan Bourke applied to have the charge dismissed because of a lack of evidence against the former policeman.

Judge Stephanie Edwards decided there was enough evidence, if it is accepted, to establish whether Chester Borrows drove carelessly. Photo / Stuart Munro

However, Judge Edwards considered there was enough evidence, if it was accepted, to establish whether Borrows drove carelessly.

As the trial continued, Borrows was questioned about past actions of protesters, and actions on March 22 last year.

Crown prosecutor is Ben Vanderkolk asked Borrows about his perception of threat from protesters.

Vanderkolk suggested police moved the protesters because Borrows was imperilling their safety in their legitimate protest in a public place. Borrows disgreed, saying he didn't think he put anyone in danger.

Borrows' lawyer Nathan Bourke asked his client about a Facebook post which was put online shortly before the protest.

The post included a photo of a sex toy labelled "Paula B" and an image of Paula Bennett captioned "See you soon b****".

Borrows told the court the Facebook post was a threat, not passive protest. To support his view he pointed out he spent 24 years in police and was once decorated for bravery.

Borrows agreed people had a right to protest but his rights as a citizen were not eroded by his position as an MP.

On Monday, the court heard from the two victims, two witnesses and three police officers who were there.

In Borrows' statement to police, he said he feared protesters jumping on his car or even trying to open the doors, and that he had seen a Facebook post from a local man which indicated another sex toy attack on a politician.

He believed he was driving safely and wasn't aware he had hit anyone.

Chester Borrows looks on as Judge Stephanie Edwards decides to continue his trial. Photo / Stuart Munro

Borrows, who has been an MP since 2005 and is a former minister for the courts, is not running for re-election this year.

If convicted, the penalties included up to three years' jail or a $4500 fine, and disqualification from driving for at least six months.