Two teenagers accused of viciously beating a Hastings man in central Havelock North have been remanded on bail until next month.
The 17-year-olds, who have interim name suppression, were scheduled to appear in Hastings District Court yesterday, charged with injuring with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, after they were arrested in relation to the attack in the early hours of August 3.
They did not appear and were remanded on bail until September 9.
The 32-year-old victim, a local electrician, was found bloodied, beaten and semi-conscious on Porter Drive, in the heart of the village. He has since been discharged from Hawke's Bay Hospital after fighting for his life and recovering from severe head injuries. Family members said they feared for the worst.
The teenagers' arrests came after CCTV footage was released at Turks Bar and near the Havelock North public toilets, where the victim was found.
The maximum penalty for injuring with intent to cause grievous bodily harm is 10 years in prison.