Logger guilty of assault after attack on teenager

Grant Ivan Adams, 34, a logger, appeared in Masterton District Court earlier this week and pleaded guilty to assault.

A man who claimed he assaulted a 16-year-old because the boy had been bullying his stepson was convicted of assault.

Grant Ivan Adams, 34, a logger, appeared in Masterton District Court earlier this week and pleaded guilty to assault.

Police prosecutor Garry Wilson said on July 28 Adams was in Fitzherbert St, in Featherston, when he had seen a 16-year-old, who he knew, walking out of a local supermarket carrying a box of beer, for a friend.

Adams became incensed seeing the boy carrying the beer, approached him and pushed him backwards into a bush.

The pair scuffled and others became involved, which gave the boy the opportunity to run to the Featherston Police Station and report the assault.

He was left with bruising to his face and arms but did not need medical attention.

Adams told police the boy had been threatening his partner's son and causing problems in the local community.

Mr Wilson said a number of people spoken to about the fight were not surprised that there was an issue between the two.

"A lot of these people gave fault to the victim and how he behaves," Mr Wilson said.

Judge Chris Tuohy said Adams' approach in the situation should have been to contact the police.

"Not taking things into your own hands."

He fined Adams $350 and ordered him to pay court costs of $130.