An Auckland man has been discharged without conviction following the death of his father after a fight between the two at a service station at Waitara last year.
Brendon Bell appeared in court in New Plymouth this morning to be sentenced on a charge of assault.
Justice Heath said Mr Bell acted in self-defence when the drunken fight developed with his father Reginald Bell.
The 22-year-old hit his father once, and he fell to the ground, hitting his head on concrete, and died later in hospital.
Justice Heath said Mr Bell showed real remorse for his actions and had imposed on himself a life sentence of a sort that no court can order.
The Crown supported Mr Bell being discharged without conviction.
