Man accused of violent rest home attack to apply for bail

Rangi Joseph Harris, 45, appeared in Manukau District Court this afternoon charged with causing grievous bodily harm to a 75-year-old woman with intent to do so. Photo / Supplied via police

A man accused of the violent assault stomping on an elderly woman in an east Auckland rest home will apply for bail tomorrow.

Rangi Joseph Harris, 45, appeared in Manukau District Court this afternoon charged with causing grievous bodily harm to a 75-year-old woman with intent to do so, at a Botany rest home on Friday.

Police released the defendant's name and photograph in connection with the incident in a bid to track him down.

A tip-off from the public alerted police to his whereabouts, and he was arrested without incident at a Papatoetoe address on Sunday.

Harris was supported in court by several friends and family, some of whom cried while he stood in the dock.

His lawyer Jane Northwood said there was a bail address available but had to be checked by police before her client's application could be heard.

Community magistrate Lauolefale Lemalu rejected a late bid for name suppression.

It is alleged the complainant was visiting a family member at the home in Botany when the attack occurred around lunchtime.

"The victim was viciously assaulted. She was punched, kicked and stomped on. She was initially in intensive care," said Detective Sergeant John Love.

"Fortunately, her condition has improved slightly and she is now stable. She has facial fractures and other injuries, though, and will remain in hospital."

If found guilty, Harris faces as much as 14 years in jail.