Man kicks car after 'racial taunts'

Douglas Jon Ruskell was fined and ordered to pay reparation to his victim when he appeared before Judge Arthur Tompkins in the Masterton District Court this week.

After getting into an argument with a group of people shopping at The Warehouse, Douglas Jon Ruskell later kicked their car.

Ruskell was fined and ordered to pay reparation to his victim when he appeared before Judge Arthur Tompkins in the Masterton District Court this week for sentencing.

Ruskell previously pleaded guilty to a charge of wilful damage. The court heard the argument continued, with racial comments and swearing exchanged, at his home.

During the argument, Ruskell kicked the car, causing $1100 in damage, before the group left.

Defence lawyer Ian Hard said his client got into an argument with the group in the Masterton store and they had followed him home.

"They were yelling abuse and they wouldn't leave ... there were racial slurs and swearing ... he went too far and kicked their car."

Ruskell had wanted to undergo a restorative justice meeting but the victims didn't want to attend, Mr Hard said.

Judge Tompkins convicted and fined Ruskell $500 and ordered him to pay $130 court costs.

He also must pay $400 reparation to the victims to cover the insurance excess.