Road Rage: Woman's car hits men | Wairarapa News | Local News in Wairarapa

A drunk man who goaded an incensed Masterton mother-of-
three into driving at him was rescued by his friend _ who had
his leg broken for his troubles.

At the Masterton District Court yesterday, Weeana Marie
Puhara, 28, pleaded guilty to recklessly causing injury  as a result
of the violent incident on May 27 in Cockburn St, Masterton.

About 7pm that day, Puhara _ with her children aged 2, 7 and 10
in the back seat _ had been travelling down Cockburn St to
pick up her friend when she firstencountered the man loitering in
the middle of the road.

As she returned down the street after picking up the friend,
the man this time stayed in the middle of the road, stubbornly
refusing to budge.

The court heard how Puhara had driven towards him before
stopping the vehicle to get  out with her friend and confront the
man.

The argument quickly became physical, provoking Puhara into
what police called ``uncontrollable anger''.

She got back behind the wheel and accelerated aggressively
toward the man, who dodged out of the way but was  struck a
glancing blow.

After reversing she took aim at him again. However, this time
the man's friend jumped in and pushed him out of the way but
was hit and pinned against a parked car, suffering a severe
fracture to his leg.

The parked car was extensively damaged in the smash and
reparation is being sought from Puhara for the cost of the vehicle.

Police said the man _ who was known to police and had
been circling Weeana's car in an abusive, aggressive and
intimidating manner _ faced a raft of charges over the incident.

Puhara _ a first-time offender _ refused legal aid and pleaded
guilty to the charge of recklessly causing injury.

``It's a very serious matter,'' Judge Stephen Harrop said before
convicting and remanding her on residential bail on the condition
she not drive a motor vehicle.

Judge  Harrop ordered a probation report looking into the
possibility of home or community detention when Puhara is
sentenced in October.