Victim tells of sprint from axe attacker

A psychiatric patient from Buller is to stand trial in the High Court over an axe attack in Arthurs Pass last November.

Nicholas Robert Clarke, 35, a painter, faces charges of attempted murder and wounding retiree David Webster with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Clarke also faces charges of dangerous driving, driving while prohibited, and failing to stop for a police car using lights and sirens. He also faces three theft charges.

Mr Webster told a depositions hearing in Christchurch District Court yesterday that fear gave him wings when he seized the chance to make his escape.

The Crown says the incident at Bealey Spur, 12km east of Arthurs Pass, on November 30, was followed by a car chase to Christchurch.

The court was told Clarke was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and spent time in the Mason Clinic in Auckland.

A year ago, he was transferred to live with his family at Mokonui on the West Coast, as a patient under a compulsory treatment order.

His mother, Anne Douglas, said he had taken his medication, but there had been some strange incidents before he drove away in the family car on November 30.

Clarke had skipped a couple of meals and said the water was tasting of chemicals.

Mr Webster, a retired property manager of Christchurch, said he was at the family's bach at Bealey about 5.30pm that day when he saw a car going back and forth on the highway and then a man arrived at his door.

"He told me his name was Ned and he was a detective from Greymouth. He said I was busted for heroin. He mentioned the word heroin several times and asked me where it was."

Mr Webster told defence counsel Pip Hall it did occur to him that the man was mentally unwell.

When the man became agitated and called him names, Mr Webster shut him out but he beat on the door and forced his way into the garage where he picked up an axe and made threats.

"He told me I was dead. He was going to kill me. He then ordered me to expose my penis and said he was going to chop it off, presumably with the axe. I naturally declined."

Mr Webster said Clarke hit him around the head with his hand or fist and then used the axe.

"He struck me on my legs, upper body and head, which included my shoulder, back, and arms."

Bleeding profusely, Mr Webster made a break for it.

"I sprinted down Cloudesley Road, with fear lending me wings.

"I never looked back."

Most evidence was handed in to Justices of the Peace Dennis Rich and Percy Acton-Adams at yesterday's hearing. Clarke will be held at Hillmorton Hospital during his remand till May 19.

- NZPA