Father remanded on bail after argument with son

A family argument which ended up with a 15-year-old on the bonnet of a moving car has resulted in three driving charges against a Featherston father.

Emile John William Ducommun, 30, pleaded guilty to wilful damage and not guilty to two further charges of reckless driving and failing to stop or ascertain injury in Masterton District Court yesterday.

According to the police summary of facts, on April 3, Ducommun arrived home at his address in Featherston where he become involved in a verbal argument with his cousin and son Ngariki Waihape.

The argument escalated into a physical altercation and Ducommun walked out of the house got into his car and backed it into the side of his cousin's Holden, which was parked on the side of the road.

Both Ducommun's car, and his cousin's car sustained moderate damage, with the rear bumper completely ripped off the latter.

Ngariki then ran out onto the road and collided with the front of the car as Ducommun was driving.

With his son on the bonnet of the car, Ducommun drove along Wallace St for about 70 metres.

Ngariki then slid off the side of the bonnet onto the ground.

Ducommun drove around the block, came back to the address, and then drove up the driveway where another altercation took place.

He then drove to the Featherston Police Station and reported the incident to the police.

His son was left with a sore left arm.

Defence lawyer Virginia Pearson said the incident was a "very unfortunate family situation".

Ms Pearson said the complainants had assaulted Ducommun at the address and he had then left the property.

"Both complainants have attacked the vehicle.

"He has then attempted to flee from the property," she said.

She said the complainant says he ran at the vehicle with the intent of "hauling him [Ducommun] out".

"Mr Ducommun says ... that he slowed down to let the boy off," Ms Pearson said.

She said there were no injuries and that the youth had come at Ducommun with a knife.

In relation to the charge of reckless driving Ms Pearson said the defendant's actions did not meet the degree of "recklessness" and that it was important for him to retain his licence.

"It would cause him some hardship if he were to lose his licence," she said.

Prosecuting Sergeant Gary Wilson said the matter was serious and that police are relying on information from an independent witness who saw the defendant accelerate quickly towards the victim.

"It was a definite act to run over the male," he said.

Judge Tony Walsh remanded Ducommun on bail until July 9.