Accused due in court over tourist bashing

Three men accused of an attack on a Canadian tourist in Lower Hutt last month will appear in court tomorrow.

Jeremie Kawerninski spent 10 days in hospital after he was beaten and robbed of $40, clothing and jewellery.

The three men have been charged with the kidnapping, aggravated robbery and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm of Mr Kawerninski, 25.

Taranaki man Jaydon Russell Borland, 30 and Jason Gregory, 19, from Wainuiomata, were both remanded in custody early last week.

Borland appeared in court today but his lawyer, Steve Gill, said it was a routine appearance as his client had been in prison for seven days and was required to appear before he could be held for longer.

A third man - Benjamin Peter McPadden, 18, a labourer from Naenae, Lower Hutt - was arrested on Wednesday on the same charges.

Mr Gill said Borland had been remanded to appear in Lower Hutt District Court tomorrow in order for all three co-accused to appear together.

Police are still looking for a fourth man in connection with the attack. Mark Alexander Gage, 30, is believed to be in the Hutt Valley or Wainuiomata areas.

- NZPA