Sounds like a beatup?

One can’t be sure, but this sounds like a beat-up:

A Nelson man has laid a complaint with police that the city’s MP, Nick Smith, assaulted and abused him.

However, Dr Smith says it was he who was pushed and shoved and he now intends to make a complaint to police too.

Police say they hope to interview Dr Smith today.

Ross Cooper said he approached Dr Smith on Rutherford St just before noon on Saturday, when he saw the environment minister leaving the market.

Mr Cooper, who is on a partial invalid’s benefit, wanted to talk to the MP about his “disgusting” power bill.

However, he claimed Dr Smith, who was getting into his car, would not talk to him.

Dr Smith tried slamming his door twice, hitting Mr Cooper’s shoulder, and abused him, swearing at him to go away, Mr Cooper said. “I was leaning over on the car doorway, showing my bill,” he said. “He wanted to push me aside to get going.”

Mr Cooper said he had a sore shoulder as a result but was otherwise uninjured.

And the other side:

Dr Smith said he had been due to pick up his children and go on to the opening of Motueka’s community hospital on Saturday, and had told Mr Cooper this. He said he had a look at Mr Cooper’s power bill and told Mr Cooper to arrange an appointment to see him through Dr Smith’s office.

Dr Smith has had previous dealings with Mr Cooper.

That is interesting.

“He refused to allow me to leave. He pushed and shoved me and refused to allow me entry to my car.”

Dr Smith said he had tried to get into his car, including via the passenger door.

“I feel I was assaulted in that I was simply trying to get in my car because I was running late.”

Unless there is more to this than meets the eye, I can’t see it as significant.

UPDATE: NZPA report the Police say there is no case:

A number of witnesses were spoken to and confirmed Mr Cooper was agitated and acting in a loud and aggressive manner towards Dr Smith over his power bill.

Mr Winter said the witnesses also said Mr Cooper was trying to prevent Dr Smith from closing the door of his vehicle and driving away.

He said Mr Cooper was known to Dr Smith, whom he had previously tried to assist but who had repeatedly abused and intimidated his electoral office staff over a period of a decade.

Maybe Nick should have done a Prescott!