Heavy suppression in axe attack case

The two victims of the assault were on a night fishing trip. Photo / File

Heavy suppression has been imposed in the case of a man accused of an axe attack against two fishermen.

A 34-year-old man was arrested and charged yesterday over the incident which took place on April 1 at Ti Point Wharf, an hour north of Auckland.

He appeared in North Shore District Court this morning facing counts of aggravated robbery, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, injuring with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and reckless driving.

Judge David Sharp conceded the case for suppression was not strong but made non-publication orders covering today's entire hearing.

Accordingly, NZME. cannot name the man, publish how he has pleaded or the outcome of today's bail application.

The suppression orders will be revisited at his next appearance in June.

Police said enquiries to locate the second alleged offender were ongoing.

On the night of the alleged incident two Korean men were fishing at the wharf while the defendant fished nearby with friends, police say.

One of the victims went back to the car to have a sleep but was woken by a knocking on the window and recognised the man as one of the pair he had just seen.

He got out of the car to find the defendant holding a small axe and was told to hand over his keys and wallet, police said.

Despite handing over his property, he was then allegedly punched in the face, before the accused attempted to steal the car.

But as he tried to make a getaway, he drove into a nearby parked car.

It is alleged the defendant then got out of the car and assaulted the victim with the axe and at some point during the attack the victim lost consciousness.

During the assault the victim's friend heard the commotion and came to his aid.

He told police he was assaulted by both the original offender, and another man.

He was punched in the head and fell into a bush area.

The defendants left in their own vehicle, described as a 5-door, dark-coloured people mover, possibly a station wagon.