The Mount Maunganui man charged in relation to the brutal beating of two women at an Arataki address last Thursday remains behind bars. The women, aged 22 and 39, were treated at Tauranga Hospital for facial and head injuries and later discharged following an incident at a Carter St, Arataki address in the early hours of July 12. Phillip Wipatene Hunter, 29, faced charges of assault with intent to injure and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm when he was back in Tauranga District Court yesterday.
Police opposed bail but Hunter did not make a bail application and he was further remanded in custody by Judge Richard Watson without entering pleas to the charges. Hunter is due back in court on August 6 for a judicial intervention hearing.
Clues wanted on shooter
Police still need the public's help with identifying the offender who fired two gunshots through the glass door of Welcome Bay home last week in what has been described as a ``targeted attack''.
The 43-year-old male tenant of the Meander Drive property was treated at Tauranga Hospital after he received shotgun pellet injuries to his head during the shooting which occurred at about 9pm on July 9.
Head of Tauranga CIB Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Turner said enquiries were on-going and police were keen to speak to anyone who had information about the attack, and that included a man who may have run past the victim's house with a dog around the same time as the shots were fired.
Anyone with information is asked to call Tauranga police on 577 4300. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.