Homeless woman allegedly assaulted elderly woman in Rotorua CBD, stole $600 glasses

Kurai Smith appears in the Rotorua District Court via video link. Photo / Kelly Makiha

A homeless woman is accused of a daylight assault in Rotorua’s central city against an elderly woman to steal her $600 glasses.

Kurai Monoa Smith, 39, appeared before Judge Ajit Swaran Singh today via video link, charged with injuring a woman with intent, theft and assaulting police.

Charging documents allege Smith stole the woman’s $600 glasses, injured her with intent and assaulted a police officer to obstruct them from doing their duty.

The offences were alleged to have happened on October 9 on Hinemoa St.

Smith’s lawyer, Douglas Hall, told Judge Swaran Singh he would not enter pleas on her behalf until she had been assessed by medical experts.

Smith was supported in court by other members of the homeless community.

Judge Swaran Singh remanded Smith in custody to reappear on November 11 to allow time for the reports on her to be completed.

In an earlier media statement, police praised the public for coming to the aid of the 69-year-old woman allegedly attacked about 3.50pm.

Inspector Phil Gillbanks said in the statement several people quickly intervened to help the older woman.

Kelly Makiha is a senior journalist who has reported for the Rotorua Daily Post for more than 25 years, covering mainly police, court, human interest and social issues.