Ex-mayor's son threatened to 'kneecap' festivalgoers

The son of a former Hamilton mayor threatened to shoot two young men's kneecaps with a semi-automatic shotgun, Hamilton District Court has been told.

Matthew Rimmington, son of former mayor Russ Rimmington, pleaded guilty yesterday to two charges of presenting a firearm, two of discharging a firearm and two of threatening grievous bodily harm.

He also admitted driving with excess breath alcohol and driving while disqualified.

The 19-year-old builder stood calmly in the dock with his father in the public gallery while police prosecutor Sergeant Kevin Reid read the summary of facts.

The court was told told that Rimmington was drinking with two friends at his Lake Cres home on the final night of the Balloons Over Waikato Festival on April 16.

As thousands of cars left the event at 9pm, they began placing road cones in front of traffic and throwing eggs at cars.

Fraser McNutt and his friend Nick Mowbray, both 20, were driving home when Rimmington placed a road cone in front of Mr McNutt's vehicle. He removed the cone, only to have his car pelted with eggs.

The victims spoke to Rimmington, who said three times: "I am going to go get my shotgun and pop your knees with some caps."

He returned to the men, pointing the firearm over the boundary fence at both victims saying "you like that?"

Outside court, Mr McNutt said he turned his back as the gun was fired. The pair ran off thinking they were being shot at.

As police cordons and the armed offenders squad assembled, Rimmington tried to drive off but was stopped.

Rimmington's lawyer, Paul Mabey QC, asked Community Magistrate Gary Moltzen to order a pre-sentence report.

Rimmington was remanded on bail for sentence on July 5.

- nzpa