Assault victim loses sight in one eye

A young man allegedly assaulted earlier this month as he walked home from seeing friends has lost his sight in one eye after suffering a head injury.

A 17-year-old youth has been arrested and charged with maiming with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He appeared in Gisborne District Court yesterday and police opposed bail.

The youth was remanded in custody for a further court appearance today.

The 20-year-old injured man spent some time in Gisborne Hospital and is now recovering at home with his family.

"My grandson is now permanently blind in his right eye," his grandfather told The Gisborne Herald.

"He knows he now has to get with his life the best he can and we will help him to do that."

Meanwhile, a 29-year-old man has been charged in relation to an alleged assault on a St John Ambulance officer on Friday night while he was being treated for a serious arm injury.

The man lacerated an arm when he broke a window at a house that night.

"The alleged assault happened in the back of the ambulance on the way to hospital," a police spokesman said.

"The man has been charged with assault under the Crimes Act."

The ambulance officer was treated for head lacerations