Chop-jock... With due respect, you're wrong here.
Lets say that the Pilot had elected not to take off... He's now on the ground in the presence of a large bloke behaving in a deranged manner who has already screamed abuse at the Pilot and physically attacked the helicopter.
Are we to suppose that he is going to stand quietly beside the helicopter whilst the pilot shuts it down in a safe manner? Or would the pilot be forgiven for thinking that the lout could quite easily open the door and attacked or grabbed the pilot whilst he's at the controls. Anyone care to consider the consequences of having the pilot dragged out of the helicopter whilst the blades are still turning at speed???
I have little doubt that in the same situation i would have carried out the same action. I have on several occasions in my career taken such action to avoid "numpties". When you're on the ground with the blades at less than "fly" you are powerless to take any immediate action to protect the helicopter or the "numpty".
Good job Pilot, CAA and Judge!
OH