Alleged McLaren Falls attacker named, in court

Tourists were robbed at McLaren Falls Park. PHOTO/FILE

The identity of 28-year-old man accused of two tourists attacks in McLaren Falls Park, including robbing a woman of personal items can now be revealed.

Dewald Fourie, faced one charge each of robbery and assault with intent to rob when he appeared in Tauranga District Court today.

Police allege Fourie tried to rob a European man of his camper van and also robbed an Asian woman of personal items about 6am yesterday.

Police say the two complainants who were travelling separately had both been sleeping in their vehicles when they disturbed by Fourie.

Fourie is alleged to have tried to steal the male camper's van as he slept, and when the complainant confronted him, the two men got into a struggle, before the accused left.

It is further alleged Fourie returned 30 minutes later and approached the female complainant and demanded her vehicle, and when she did not hand it over he stole personal items from her.

Fourie, who has been remanded to bail to live at Tauranga Hospital's mental health unit under a 24 hours daily curfew, will next appear in court on October 29.

He is yet to enter pleas to the charges.