Police say a 21-year-old man chargedwith assault after a woman was attackedand left for dead on the floor of her Mt Roskill house is likely to face more serious charges.
The victim - aged in her 40s - was found in a semi-conscious state in the bedroom ofher Whitmore Rd home by her daughter on Monday.
Detective Sergeant Peter Steward, of Avondale CIB, said the man was likely to face more serious charges.
The accused was remanded in custody yesterday, without plea, until December 3.
He cannot be named because he was granted interim name suppression so hecan tell his family of his arrest.
The man, who is also charged with cultivating cannabis, stood with his head bowed during his court appearance and wore a police-issue white boilersuit.
The woman remained in a serious condition yesterday at Auckland Hospital, but was well enough to speak to detectives, who are trying to establish the motive for the attack.
Police have said it was unlikely to have been a random attack, but cannot say if the woman knew her attacker.
One theory was that she might have opened the door to the offender in relation to a business deal - but Mr Steward told the Herald yesterday that police were keeping an open mind.
"We'll wait to see what the victim tells and what the offender says."
The woman and her husband run a business called L & Lee International from their home, importing and exporting powertools, furniture and locks. The Chinese couple have lived in New Zealand for about three years.
The woman's husband returned to New Zealand yesterday to be with his family.
Despite the arrest, police continued to speak to family members and neighbours.
"We're doing what we have to do," Mr Steward said, "interviewing family members and neighbours and continuing with our inquiries."
