KEY POINTS:
An Ashburton woman who used a softball bat on the car of a man who owed money to her prostitute daughter has been sentenced to 40 hours' community work.
Jacinta Kathleen Borrie, unemployed, 40, was also ordered to reimburse Christopher Muir $500 for the damage she caused to the windscreen and rear window of his car.
Police said Borrie and three female friends visited Muir last November to recover the money. When he could not pay, his car windows were smashed. Muir then drove a farm tractor at the women when they were inside their car.
Quotes for the damage caused by Borrie with the bat came to $1271, but Muir sourced cheaper windows and had them installed himself. He claimed damages of $500, which were ordered by Judge Jane McMeeken when Borrie appeared in Ashburton District Court for sentence yesterday. Her file, read by the judge before sentencing, also said she owed $6500 in outstanding fines.
"It is clear from the summary of facts that a whole lot of stuff was happening," Judge McMeeken said. "You got involved because you were of the view your daughter was owed some money."
But she said there was no excuse for taking a softball bat and damaging Muir's car.
Last month Timaru District Court was told heavy machinery was involved when an Ashburton prostitute and friends went to collect money from Muir.
Muir pleaded guilty then to dangerous driving of a tractor, five counts of unlawful taking, three of burglary, and incurring debt by deception.
The 25-year-old from Temuka will appear for sentence in Timaru on Thursday week.
- NZPA
