A second man has been charged in relation to the alleged stabbing of another man in Ohauiti at the weekend and his identity has also been suppressed while police inquiries continue.
The 37-year-old Mount Maunganui man faced a joint charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodilyharm in Tauranga District Court today.
The stabbing attack is understood to have been committed near the intersection of Welcome Bay Rd and Ohauiti Rd, opposite Palmers Garden Centre, in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The second defendant also faced a further joint charge of assault with a weapon, namely a wrench, which he is alleged have used to assault separate complainant on the same day.
The man's lawyer Nicholas Dutch urged Judge Thomas Ingram to suppress his client's name saying significant fair trial issues arose if publication of his identity was allowed at this time.
Mr Dutch said police did not oppose the request while their inquiries into this matter continued, and there would be no bail application at this time.
Judge Ingram said he accepted there were fair trial concerns and it was appropriate to impose suppression orders on the man's name and any other identifying details.
Yesterday a 36-year-old Mount Maunganui man, who is also jointly charged with the same offences, was remanded in custody by consent when he appeared in Tauranga District Court.
His identity was also suppressed on an interim basis to protect his rights to a fair trial.
Both defendants are due back in court on December 16.
Their alleged stabbing victim was treated at Tauranga Hospital for minor hand wounds and facial injuries and discharged.
