An axe-wielding Oamaru man could have killed his victim during a violent neighbourhood clash, a judge says.
Hamai Teahipa Flowers (27) had an argument with a man after seeing him standing outside his Don St home, before the extreme aggression occurred.
Defence counsel Brian Kilkelly said he had asked his client why the war of words was not left at that.
"He cannot answer that," he said. "He says he’s left with lots of whys from his actions on that day."
Flowers pleaded guilty to injuring with reckless disregard and intentional damage before the Oamaru District Court earlier this year.
The case was then transferred to Dunedin District Court as the defendant had moved south to live with his grandmother.
Mr Kilkelly said the move had been "very positive" as Flowers was now working for a community group and putting his time to good use.
His crimes took place on November 27 last year and began when he spotted the victim outside his home.
Flowers began by yelling and gesturing at the man, but he showed a readiness to back up his words.
Once the victim had retreated inside his own boundary fence, the defendant fetched an axe from the back of his vehicle and strode on to the property.
After accusing the victim of threatening him, Flowers swung the weapon which struck the man in the small of the back.
As the axeman aimed another blow, the victim raised his arms and parried the attack.
Flowers then tried to pull the victim to the ground but he managed to escape after a brief struggle.
On his way off the property, the court heard, the defendant used the weapon to smash the back window of the man’s vehicle.
The victim sought treatment at hospital and the judge said the incident had left him with swelling and bruising.
"This was sustained, aggressive conduct which was totally unnecessary and unwarranted," he said.
"An axe is potentially a very dangerous weapon. You could have caused serious injury or even death."
The parting shot on the victim’s car was "gratuitous", Judge Couch said.
However, he was impressed by the work Flowers had completed under the supervision of his grandmother.
The defendant was sentenced to four months’ community detention and 10 months’ supervision.
