Christchurch woman dies after bashing

Michelle Mary Lawrence. Photo / Supplied

A woman bashed with a garden ornament last month has died in hospital.

Christchurch woman Michelle Mary Lawrence, 41, died late last night at Christchurch Hospital, police said today. A post-mortem examination was expected to be held tomorrow.

Ms Lawrence had been in the hospital's intensive care unit since she was attacked with what was believed to be a garden gnome at a Linwood flat some time before 1am on June 10.

Timothy Joseph Foley, 52, appeared in court on June 11 charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He is due to reappear on Tuesday.

Detective Senior Sergeant Corrie Parnell said the incident was now being treated as a homicide and it was expected additional charges would be laid.

The Star newspaper was told a garden gnome was used in the attack and police believed it may have been dumped in the Waimakariri River.

Police have refused to discuss specifics of the case have confirmed they searched the area for "items of interest".

Ms Lawrence's family issued a statement this evening, saying she was a much-loved and integral member of the family.

" ... a wonderful mother, nana, daughter, granddaughter, sister and aunty who loved life and lived it to the fullest. She will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew her.

"At this time we ask the media to please respect this is a very hard time for us and thank them in advance for respecting our privacy."