Air pistol shooter convicted

A 19-year-old who shot another man in the forehead with a soft air pistol has been convicted of assault.

Jessie James Lange, of Masterton, appeared in Masterton District Court on Thursday.

Sergeant Garry Wilson, prosecuting, said on January 3 at about 2pm Lange had a soft air pistol in his possession, and was driving around Masterton with some of his friends.

As he passed a young man who was known to him from his school days he fired a plastic projectile at the complainant.

The defendant and his associates then drove away heading south on Queen St.

Following the incident the defendant handed himself in to Masterton Police Station and made a statement about the offence.

The victim sustained a big red mark on his forehead but was otherwise uninjured.

In explanation Lange, who is unemployed, told police that he didn't know why he had shot at the victim.

He said it was really stupid and he was sorry and wanted to apologise to the complainant.

Judge Thomas Broadmore said he regarded the offence as quite serious given that the potential consequences for the victim could have been much worse.

Lange was fined $250, ordered to pay a further $250 for emotional harm reparation and directed to pay court costs of $132.89.

An order was made by the court for the air pistol to be destroyed.