An alleged jewellery thief accused of hitting a man in the face with a hammer in a desperate bid to escape will spend at least the next two weeks in custody.
Ora Neilson, a 22-year-old Mount Wellington man, appeared in Auckland District Court yesterday morning charged with robbery and aggravated wounding, which carries a maximum term of 14 years' imprisonment.
According to court documents, he allegedly stole $38,551 of jewellery from Michael Hill in the Sylvia Park mall on Tuesday morning, before trying to make his escape.
Witnesses said a Vodafone staff member who tried to thwart his getaway took a hammer blow to the face.
Police said the Good Samaritan received dozens of stitches to a facial wound but did not need to be admitted to hospital.
In court yesterday, Neilson appeared wearing a white, prison-issue jumpsuit and did not apply for bail, with his lawyer saying getting an address to go to would be problematic.
Walker & Hall sales assistant Sam Bhutani described how he saw the incident unfold at rival jewellers Michael Hill as he prepared to open his store.
He said the defendant was finally stopped when someone tripped him up and then pinned him to the ground.
It was the second time Michael Hill had been robbed this month, Mr Bhutani said.
Detective Sergeant Nick Poland said the shop owner and staff were very thankful to all those who helped arrest the alleged offender.
Victim Support had been called in to assist the injured man and his family. NZME.