High-flyer faces road-rage charge

Sung Jin Kim was left screaming in agony with two broken legs and a shattered ankle. Photo / Brett Phibbs

A high-flying financial analyst has been named as the man accused of a road-rage attack that left a motorist with two broken legs and a shattered ankle.

Guy Hallwright is a senior analyst with the investment banking company Forsyth Barr and is charged with reckless disregard for the safety of another, causing grievous bodily harm.

The charge carries a maximum of seven years' imprisonment.

Hallwright, who lives in a $2.4 million Parnell home and makes regular TV appearances as an expert in his field, yesterday lost an almost three-month fight to keep his name secret.

Last night, he said he would defend the charge. "There is more to this case than meets the eye," he said, but would not comment further.

The charge relates to an incident outside Galbraith's Alehouse in Mt Eden Rd in September.

It is alleged Hallwright was driving past the pub when he got into a row with another motorist, Sung Jin Kim.

It is understood the altercation developed after the pair, who were stopped at traffic lights, gave each other the finger and sounded their horns.

Hallwright is alleged to have got out of his car, opened Mr Kim's door and yelled at him before slamming the door and getting back into his own car.

Mr Kim then got out of his car and approached Hallwright's car before banging on the bonnet with both of his hands.

According to court documents, Hallwright went to drive away from Mr Kim but knocked him over.

The right tyre of Hallwright's dark-coloured Saab is alleged to have driven over Mr Kim's legs.

Hallwright drove away from the scene, phoned 111 and then returned.

Court documents show he told a police officer he was the driver who had hit Mr Kim.

Witnesses told the Herald in September that Mr Kim was screaming as he lay on the ground.

He was left with two broken legs and a shattered left ankle that required reconstructive surgery.

The Herald understands Mr Kim was discharged from hospital last month.

Hallwright has been a senior investment analyst with Forsyth Barr since August 2005.

In his frequent media appearances, including on television news, he has given his opinion on developments in telecommunications and the sharemarket.

He has also held management positions at Credit Suisse First Boston Australia, First NZ Capital and Heinz.

In 1987, he gained a masters degree in business administration from Cass Business School, London.

He also has an MA (Hons) in English and a bachelor of arts degree in sociology from Victoria University.

Hallwright was also named Asiamoney Best NZ Analyst in 1997 and was chairman of the New Zealand Society of Investment Analysts in 1998 and 1999.

He has been fighting to keep his name a secret since the incident happened.

He lost name suppression in the District Court and last week took the case to the High Court at Auckland on appeal.

His lawyer, David Reece, had argued that two of Hallwright's family members had health issues which could deteriorate if his name was published.

However, Justice Geoffrey Venning dismissed the appeal and ruled in favour of open reporting.

He suppressed the health issues facing Hallwright's relatives and their names.

Mr Reece said his client had chosen to take the matter to trial.

"That indicates there are two sides to the story," the lawyer said. He declined to comment further.

Hallwright is scheduled to reappear in the Auckland District Court in February.