Tourist attack accused also up for arson

The Gate Pa man accused of two tourists attacks in McLaren Falls Park, including allegedly robbing a woman of personal items, now also faces an arson charge.

The Gate Pa man accused of two tourists attacks in McLaren Falls Park, including allegedly robbing a woman of personal items, now also faces an arson charge.

Dewald Fourie, 27, who faced one charge each of assault with intent to rob, robbery and arson when he appeared in Tauranga District Court today.

Judge Paul Geoghegan remanded Fourie into the care of the Henry Bennett Centre and called for a mental report to establish whether he is fit to stand trial.

and been remanded for a pyschatrist's report to determine his fitness to stand trial.
The first two charges relate to two separate alleged assaults against two tourists who had been sleeping in their vehicles in McLaren Falls Park on October 21.

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

It is further alleged Fourie returned 30 minutes later and demanded a vehicle from a female tourist, and when she did no hand it over he stole a pouch containing $180 and a passport.

Police also allege Fourie was armed with a piece of wood wrapped in a teeshirt when he assaulted the male complainant during his attempt to rob him.

Fourie is also accused of recklessly damaging by fire a cabinet and flooring at Tauranga Hospital on October 26 while in the hospital's mental health unit.

Fourie is due back in Tauranga District Court on November 11.