Kennel hideaway after smashing window

Carterton man Joshua Rawlins, 18, appeared in the Masterton District Court last week on a charge of wilful damage.

A man who smashed his girlfriend's window literally consigned himself to the doghouse - which is where police found him.

Joshua Rawlins, who appeared in the Masterton District Court last week on charges of wilful damage, had tried to hide in a neighbour's dog kennel after an argument with his girlfriend.

Pleading guilty to a charge of wilful damage, the 18-year-old from Carterton was ordered to pay for the repair of the window, when he appeared before Judge Tony Walsh.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Garry Wilson said Rawlins was at his girlfriend's Carterton home on August 25, when he became angry and was asked to leave.

"You became aggressive and punched a window, shattering the glass," said Judge Walsh.

Police found Rawlins hiding in a dog kennel on a neighbouring property, he said.

The sergeant requested the court order the defendant pay $290 for the repair of the window.

Lawyer Frank Minehan said his client was not in a good state of mind at the time and was remorseful for his behaviour.

From the dock, Rawlins offered instalments of $100 a week. "He now has an income coming in."

Judge Walsh convicted Rawlins of wilful damage and ordered he pay reparation of $290 and court costs of $130.