A 54-year-old victim lost his top row of teeth and required several plates in his head after what a judge called "vigilante action" at the Dunedin bus hub.
At 4pm on December 8, Rhys Marshall (41) was driving past the central Dunedin bus hub in Great King St when his son pointed to a man who had allegedly harassed him.
Marshall pulled over and approached the victim in an aggressive manner, the Dunedin District Court heard yesterday.
Using significantly more force, the defendant struck the man again.
Marshall walked back to his car, shouting at his victim who remained on the ground.
Counsel Brian Kilkelly represented Marshall, saying he was "utterly remorseful for his actions that afternoon" and knew the overreaction was a "serious assault".
Despite being gravely injured, the victim managed to stand up and walk to the police station, where he collapsed.
After being transported to hospital by ambulance, he was kept overnight for observation.
The victim underwent surgery to fix fractures in his face, losing his top row of teeth and having plates inserted in his head to repair his jaw and cheekbone.
He suffered ongoing paranoia, migraines and PTSD since the attack, the court heard.
Judge David Robinson called the attack "vigilante action which has resulted in serious harm".
Mr Kilkelly said Marshall was extremely protective of his children and "remained annoyed that he let his anger get to him in this way".
He was sentenced to nine months’ home detention and 100 hours’ community work and ordered to pay his victim $1345 to help cover his medical bills.
