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
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, ata 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.
"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.