Newlyweds allegedly attacked in their sleep, groom left with broken eye socket

Author: Lochlan Lineham,
Publish Date: Fri, 11 Sep 2026, 1:39pm

Newlyweds Aistis Narusis and Gabriele Naruse say they were attacked as they slept. A man has been charged with assaulting Narusis. Photos / Supplied

Two newlyweds say they have been left with serious psychological effects after they were attacked as they slept.

Lithuanian couple Aistis Narusis and Gabriele Naruse have been on a working holiday for eight months and spent one of them on a dairy farm near Twizel.

But on September 4, while the couple slept in their accommodation, a person entered the room and assaulted Aistis, allegedly striking him repeatedly in the face and head.

He was left with a broken eye socket and heavy bruising on his face.

The couple say they have dealt with intense psychological trauma since the incident.

Narusis told the Herald he and his wife have cold sweats, trouble sleeping and flashbacks to the incident.

“It’s really hard to keep living a normal life at this time.”

The pair have been staying with members of the Lithuanian community while searching for a new place to live.

Their contracts at the farm had abruptly ended following the incident.

A GoFundMe page has been set up by a friend to raise money for Aistis’ treatment, which includes visiting a facial surgeon in Christchurch to determine whether surgery will be necessary.

Aistis Narusis after the alleged assault this month.

Funds will also go towards “temporary accommodation, transportation and other essential costs while they rebuild their sense of safety and begin to recover”.

Almost £3000 ($6984) of their £5500 ($12,800) goal has been raised.

A police spokesperson said there was a reported argument and assault between people known to each other, at a property in Twizel, shortly after midnight on September 4.

Police were dispatched; however, the alleged offender left the scene before officers arrived.

After follow-up inquiries, a 37-year-old man was arrested in Seddon later the next morning.

He is due to appear in Timaru District Court on September 15 on a charge of injuring with intent to injure.