Interim suppression continues for man accused of violent Epsom attacks
The identity of the man accused of carrying out a series of violent attacks in the Auckland suburb of Epsom will remain secret for the time being.
Three cyclists were injured – one critically – and a dog was killed in the alleged rampage last Wednesday.
Today, Auckland District Court Judge Simon Lance continued the man’s interim suppression and set a next appearance date for early next month.
Defence lawyer Jane-Frances O’Halloran had asked for the matter to be remanded for three to four weeks as she had not had a chance to meet with the man.
She also sought the continuation of the man’s interim name suppression as she said it would be premature for her to address the court on this today.
O’Halloran opposed the application for in-court visual media coverage, but this was granted on the condition the images would be de-identified.
The man was arrested at 7.13am last Wednesday, 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.
O’Halloran told Judge Grant Fraser last week that she hadn’t yet been able to take instructions from her client, who was at Auckland City Hospital.
In light of that, she asked for the hearing to be postponed until today and for her client to receive interim name suppression.
- Blood, broken bikes and a dead dog: Inside Epsom’s eight minutes of mayhem
- Armed police swarm Epsom street after assault leaves one injured
The judge allowed the delay and interim suppression.
He faces 17 charges, the most serious carrying a 14-year maximum sentence.
The charges include cruelty/ill treatment to an animal, aggravated assault and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Since the incidents, a memorial for the dead dog has been set up on Manukau Rd, with people leaving candles, dog treats and toys.
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