Epsom attacks accused due back in court after delayed appearance
The man accused of carrying out a series of violent attacks in the Auckland suburb of Epsom is due to appear in court again after he was unable to appear last week.
Three Auckland Grammar School cyclists were injured – one critically – and a dog was killed in the pantsless rampage last Wednesday.
The alleged offender was arrested at 7.13am, just eight minutes after the first 111 call was made.
The 49-year-old accused was due to appear in Auckland District Court the following day but the hearing was postponed until today.
Defence lawyer Jane-Frances O’Halloran told Judge Grant Fraser she hadn’t yet been able to take instructions from her client, who remains at Auckland City Hospital.
In light of that, she asked for the hearing to be postponed until Monday and for her client to receive interim name suppression.
The judge allowed the delay and interim suppression.
He faces 17 charges, the most serious carrying a 14-year maximum sentence.
He is due to appear in the Auckland District Court today.
A memorial for the dog that was killed on Manukau Rd, Epsom, during the series of attacks. Photo / Dean Purcell
Since the attacks, a memorial for the dead dog has been set up on Manukau Rd, with people leaving candles, dog treats and toys.
Woman allegedly attacked at intersection
Police said the incident began about 7.05am when officers were called to reports of a serious assault at the intersection of Ranfurly and Manukau Rds.
“A member of the public stopped to assist the victim, before this offender has stolen the good Samaritan’s vehicle,” Auckland City district commander Superintendent Sunny Patel said.
The man then allegedly jumped into an SUV-type vehicle and swerved down the road.
Patel said the man hit a vehicle on the other side of the road and then veered into a second vehicle.
Vehicle crashes into cyclists
Police say cyclists riding along Manukau Rd were the next group to be caught in the rush-hour violence.
“The offender then fled in the stolen vehicle, hitting several vehicles before striking three cyclists who were riding on Manukau Rd,” Patel said.
The Auckland Grammar School students were taken to Auckland City Hospital with critical, serious and moderate injuries.
“This will be a life-altering event,” he said.
CCTV footage appeared to show the vehicle veering towards the cyclists and striking them from behind, Patel said.
Auckland Grammar School headmaster Tim O’Connor confirmed the cyclists were students on a training ride.
Attempted carjack at petrol station
The man allegedly rammed the SUV into the back of a white Toyota Land Cruiser at the Tasman Epsom petrol station.
Police said a woman was filling up her vehicle when it was hit at the petrol station but managed to move out of the way unharmed.
A damaged car being towed away on Manukau Rd.
Woman walking dogs targeted
After crashing the vehicle, the man exited and allegedly approached another member of the public, who was walking two dogs on leads.
“The offender has subjected one of the dogs to a violent assault and sadly, the dog has died at the scene,” police said.
“This has all taken place in full view of the public going about their morning commute.”
Man arrested
Police arrested a 49-year-old man on Manukau Rd during the attack.
“This was an incredibly violent event which has unfolded very quickly. We acknowledge it has impacted many innocent people who were just going about their mornings,” police said.
”Police are aware many people witnessed this incident, and we are appealing to the public for information and dashcam footage to come forward.”
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