Tauranga man admits McLaren Falls tourist robbery

A Tauranga man has admitted assaulting a tourist and robbing another at McLaren Falls Park, as well as damaging property at Tauranga Hospital by fire.

Dewald Fourie, 28, had his attendance excused in Tauranga District Court today, due to the state of his mental health, but in his absence his lawyer Craig Tuck entered guilty pleas to three charges.

That is, one charge each of assault with intent to rob, robbery and arson.

Judge Peter Rollo made a determination that Fourie is suffering from mental impairment after two medical reports were filed with court, but he was still fit to plead to the charges.

The first two charges stem from the assault and attempted robbery of man of his camper van and the robbery of a woman of personal items at McLaren Falls Park on October 21 last year.

The two victims, who were travelling separately, had both been sleeping in their vehicles when they were disturbed by Fourie, police said.

When the male victim confronted Fourie, the two men got into a struggle, and Fourie left but returned about 30 minutes later and approached the second victim and demanded her vehicle.

When the victim did not hand it over, Fourie stole a pouch containing her passport and $180 cash.

Both stolen items were subsequently recovered.

Court documents revealed Fourie was armed with a piece of wood wrapped in a tee-shirt when he assaulted the camper van owner during his attempt to rob him.

The arson related to Fourie damaging a cabinet and flooring by fire at Tauranga Hospital's mental health unit on October 26 after setting fire to some clothing with a lighter.

Judge Rollo further remanded Fourie into the care of the Henry Bennett Centre in Hamilton pending sentencing on March 3.