Police arrest Northland man for assault on tourists

Surveillance cameras helped police arrest a 21-year-old man who allegedly assaulted two American tourists in Paihia.

Daniel Tito, of Waitangi, appeared in the Kaikohe District Court last Friday on two charges of injuring and was remanded on bail to re-appear on June 23.

The two American tourists were attacked outside their backpackers accommodation in Paihia early in the morning of January 3. Detective Senior Sergeant Rhys Johnston said it had been a long but productive inquiry to work out who was responsible for the attack.

He said the inquiry was greatly assisted by the CCTV cameras that Focus Paihia had installed throughout the town in an effort to curb alcohol fuelled violence in the Kings' Road area.

"The cameras are an excellent investigative tool. They are a real deterrent as well. Anyone thinking of this type of thuggery should consider themselves recorded and very likely to get caught."

Both victims have returned home after completing their New Zealand holiday despite the assault.

They expressed amazement at the standard of care they received in New Zealand, both from the health and justice systems.

Father of one of the victims, Pastor Brad Ulgfenes, thanked police for the work.

"We were surprised and pleased that Jacob had no medical bills from his medical care in your country. We deeply appreciate it. "We are envious of your health care for your people and even tourists. I wish Montana and the USA were as compassionate."