Drunk son abused, headbutted dad on Father's Day in Dunedin attack

The son was sentenced to nine months' supervision when he appeared in Dunedin District Court.

For most fathers, getting a pair of socks might constitute a mediocre Father's Day.

But for one Dunedin man, the day reached new lows, when he received a foul-mouthed tirade and a headbutt from his son, a court has heard.

Jayden Reece Turner (22) was celebrating the occasion at his sister's house on September 2 but decided to leave after becoming intoxicated and arguing with his partner.

On the way out he also clashed with family members, including his father. He told him he would ''... him up''.

To avoid further conflict, Turner's father went home.

But the defendant's rage burned on and he rang the victim to repeat the earlier threat.

Several hours later at 12.34am, Turner drove up Turnbull St, stopping in the middle of the road outside his father's home.

''He got out and stormed up to his father saying 'I'm going to ... you up' and grabbed his father around the collar of his sweatshirt,'' a police summary said.

''He then headbutted his father on the nose and forehead.''

The victim reacted by punching Turner twice, knocking him to the ground.

When police arrived, the defendant told them he had consumed numerous beers, bourbons and three-quarters of a bottle of Southern Comfort.

He had a breath-alcohol reading of 1016mcg - more than four times the legal driving limit.

Turner's drunken analysis of the situation also did little to help his plight.

''In explanation, the defendant stated all he wanted to do was '... his father up' but knew he should not have driven.''

Judge Michael Crosbie said at the Dunedin District Court yesterday it was ''ironic'' the man chose to attack his father on the day he did.

The victim suffered bruising and headaches following the head-butt but chose to attend a restorative-justice conference with his son.

The judge said the meeting was successful as Turner apologised repeatedly and vowed to address his alcohol demons.

''I suppose, Mr Turner, it's just a sad thing really that that type of meeting was held after your offending,'' he said.

The fact the defendant's family were standing by him spoke volumes about their compassion, the judge said.

''He is a man keen to change his ways,'' defence counsel Brendan Stephenson said of his client.

Turner was sentenced to nine months' supervision, banned from driving for nine months, fined $800 and ordered to pay court costs of $130.