A spike in domestic violence incidents over the past week saw Mid-Northland police called out 24 times to family or partner assaults, threats and matters relating to protection orders.
In one serious domestic violence case, a critically injured man is fighting for his life in Auckland Hospital after an assaultat Clifford Rd, Kaikohe, on Friday night. A 48-year-old man was arrested and charged with injuring with intent to injure.
He was remanded in custody and appeared in Kaikohe Court yesterday. He will re-appear in Whangarei District Court on May 11.
A six-months pregnant woman in Opua was another victim of domestic violence over the weekend. Police are now looking for her partner, a 48-year-old Kawakawa man, in relation to the alleged beating at about 6pm on Sunday. The woman, aged 28, suffered broken teeth after being hit in the face, and injuries to the hands and feet. She was taken to Bay of Islands Hospital for a medical check and discharged. Mid-North response manager Senior Sergeant Brian Swann said the man was already wanted for a previous assault on the woman in March.
Kaikohe police are looking for another man in relation to a serious assault on Broadway, Kaikohe, where the 30-year old attacked his partner and also assaulted a 16-year-old woman who came to the partner's assistance. Mr Swann said the man now on the run from police was already wanted on domestic violence charges. Relating to Saturday's incident, he now faces two charges of male assaults female, two charges of breaching protection orders, escape from police custody and other charges.
Mr Swann said the high number of call-outs - 24 in a week - did not all involve violence, and the majority "were at the lower end of the scale". But the Clifford Rd incident was at the high end of the scale. Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or can provide information. They can contact Detective Greg Johnson on 09 405 2960, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
