An alleged jewellery thief who hit a man in the face with a hammer as he tried to escape looks set to plead guilty.
Ora Neilson, a 22-year-old Mount Wellington man, appeared in Auckland District Court this morning charged with theft and aggravated wounding, after an incident at Sylvia Park mall on May 26.
His lawyer Emma Priest intimated guilty pleas pending further review of police disclosure that included CCTV footage.
According to court documents, he stole $38,551 of jewellery from Michael Hill jewellers before trying to make his escape.
Witnesses said when a Vodafone staff member tried to thwart his getaway, he took a hammer blow to the face.
Police said the Good Samaritan received dozens stitches to a facial wound but did not need to be admitted to hospital.
In court today, Neilson appeared via audio-visual link but a scheduled bail application was not advanced.
Ms Priest said there would be an attempt to get her client electronically-monitored bail in the future.
Walker and 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.
He praised the actions of those who helped out and wanted to speak to anyone who left before giving their names and contact details.
Neilson was remanded in custody until next week when he will enter pleas to the charges.