Stephen Hughes, 57, appeared at Horsham Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, January 12, and pleaded guilty to assault for an incident occurring on July 7, 2021.

The court heard that at 12.45pm, Hughes stopped at the intersection of Madden and Hamilton streets and attempted to turn left.

When Hughes was stopped at the intersection, a 70-year-old man attempted to cross the road at Hamilton Street and was nearly hit by Hughes' car when he tried to perform the turn.

The man walked up to Hughes' car window and spoke to him, during which Hughes' pushed the man and attempted to drive off.

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The man tapped the rear of Hughes' car, causing him to stop, get out of the vehicle and confront the man.

Hughes repeatedly kicked the man in the left leg and punched him. He also pushed the man, making him drop his phone.

Police officer attended the scene and spoke to witnesses of the incident at 12.40pm.

The victim was taken to the Horsham police station and was observed to have a scratch under his right eye and bruising on his left leg.

On July 8, Hughes attended Horsham police station and admitted to the assault, stating he "was pissed off because it was an $80,000 car".

Hughes' lawyer Nick Graham told the court Hughes had taken issue with the police summary of the incident.

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He said Hughes believed the summary to have under-emphasised the victim's involvement in the initial confrontation and the severity in which he hit the rear of his car.

CCTV footage that captured the incident was played to the court at Hughes' request.

After reviewing the footage, Magistrate Michael McNamara reprimanded Hughes for his behaviour.

"Kicking and throwing punches like that, I expect that from children in the school yard," Mr McNamara said.

"If you had hit his head, you wouldn't be in this room. You would be in jail for the rest of your life.

"Just because he hit your car does not mean that you can behave like that. You are extraordinarily lucky this did not result in severe injuries."

Hughes was fined $5000.

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