Bash-case teen kept in custody

The teenager who allegedly bashed an 85-year-old pensioner in his South Auckland retirement village unit is to remain in custody for at least two more weeks.

Esen Pona, 18, of Wiri, appeared in the Manukau District Court yesterday on charges of burglary and the aggravated assault of Louis Watts.

Police arrested him on Wednesday after a phone call from a member of the public.

Judge Anna Johns remanded Pona in custody until May 14.

Mr Watts suffered a broken cheek bone and severe bruising and lost his laptop in the burglary three weeks ago.

Police believe the intruder got into the unit through an unsecured bathroom window.