Stranger accused of attempted murder of child at playground no show in court

A man who was charged with attempted murder at an Auckland Central park over the weekend was unable to appear in court today due to his continued hospitalisation.

The 20-year-old defendant, who did not know the child he is alleged to have attacked, had his case called in his absence today.

Judge Nicola Mathers granted interim name suppression and transferred the case to the High Court at Auckland.

Emergency responders were called to Myers Park about 4.45pm on Sunday after receiving reports of an assault and rushed the child to Starship Hospital. Police said the child was in serious but stable condition.

The defendant was also listed as in a serious condition, but due to self-inflicted injuries.

“The child’s family have been advised and are being supported,” Auckland City District Commander Superintendent Sunny Patel said yesterday.

“Police are not seeking anyone else in relation to the incident, nor do we believe there is any ongoing risk to the public.”

Police at Myers Park in central Auckland after the incident. Photo / Zebedee Tupai

If convicted of attempted murder, the man could face up to 14 years’ imprisonment.

No pleas were entered on the man’s behalf during today’s brief hearing. The defendant will have another opportunity to do so when the case is called again at the High Court next month.

Craig Kapitan is an Auckland-based journalist covering courts and justice. He joined the Herald in 2021 and has reported on courts since 2002 in three newsrooms in the US and New Zealand.