Ainnsley Windler pleads guilty to scratching man’s car after ‘road rage’ at Forest Glen

An angry exchange on the road has led to a welder following another man to a Sunshine Coast supermarket car park and causing thousands of dollars of damage to their car.

Ainnsley Keiran Windler leaving Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Wednesday. Picture: Sam Turner

A Sunshine Coast welder has been ordered to pay back the damage he caused to another man’s vehicle after vandalising it following a “road rage” incident.

Ainnsley Keiran Windler was driving in Forest Glen when he became involved in an “altercation” with another driver on August 19.

Maroochydore Magistrates Court heard on Wednesday the 54-year-old followed the victim to a nearby IGA supermarket car park, where he parked his vehicle.

Police prosecutor Mel Pyke said Windler followed the other man on foot to the store’s entrance where they argued.

Sergeant Pyke said Windler returned to his car and used an unknown implement to damage the victim’s Skoda by etching the paint from bonnet to bumper. He then left the scene.

The court heard footage from the scene allowed police to identify the Forest Glen man, who declined an interview with officers.

Windler pleaded guilty to one charge.

Defence lawyer Josh Turner represented Windler in court on Wednesday, who pleaded guilty to a single charge of wilful damage.

Mr Turner said Windler, who was a father and grandfather, had no criminal history and worked as a welder for a number of years. The lawyer asked for a fine, with the Forest Glen man able to pay restitution.

Magistrate Chris Callaghan said it sounded like a “road rage” incident, and Windler was either upset about how the victim drove or the way he was spoken to.

“It’s really not a good idea to do those things,” Mr Callaghan said.

The magistrate said the 54-year-old acted in an inappropriate way by “probably” using a key to scratch the victim’s car, however accepted it was out of character.

Windler was fined $800, and ordered to pay $2626.25 in compensation.

No conviction was recorded.

Originally published as Ainnsley Windler pleads guilty to scratching man’s car after ‘road rage’ at Forest Glen