The Napier Courthouse, where a man pleaded guilty this week to a serious violence charge resulting from a machete attack in Napier two years ago. Photo / File
The Napier Courthouse, where a man pleaded guilty this week to a serious violence charge resulting from a machete attack in Napier two years ago. Photo / File
A man who was facing an attempted murder charge after a machete attack in Napier two years ago has admitted a lesser charge and been remanded for sentence.
Originally scheduled to face a trial next week, Lealofi Malasia, 28, of Napier, appeared in the High Court in Napier on Wednesdayand pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, which carries a maximum penalty of 14 years jail. He also admitted assaulting with intent to injure after events in Hastings a week earlier, and to perjury for a false statement in a sworn affidavit applying for bail after his arrest.
He was remanded by Justice Jan-Marie Doogue to appear for sentence in Napier on September 14.
The machete attack happened after Malasia had been at a gathering in a shed on a suburban property. He left after a scuffle.
Another man left the address soon afterwards and was attacked in the street, receiving severe skull, back, rib, lung and abdominal injuries as Malasia swung at him with a machete. The most serious injuriescame as the man was struck while on the ground.
