Alleged hammer attacker held in custody

The attack happened at Auckland's Sylvia Park Mall yesterday morning. File photo / Janna Dixon

An alleged jewellery thief who hit a man in the face with a hammer in a desperate bid to escape will spend at least the next two weeks in custody.

Ora Neilson, a 22-year-old Mount Wellington man appeared in Auckland District Court this morning charged with robbery and aggravated wounding, which carries a maximum term of 14 years imprisonment.

According to court documents, he stole $38,551 of jewellery from Michael Hill in the Sylvia Park mall yesterday morning, before trying to make his escape.

Witnesses said when a Vodafone staff member tried to thwart his getaway and took a hammer blow to the face.

Police said the Good Samaritan received dozens stitches to a facial wound but did not need to be admitted to hospital.

In court today, Neilson appeared wearing a white, prison-issue jumpsuit and did not apply for bail, with his lawyer saying getting an address to go to would be problematic.

Walker and Hall sales assistant Sam Bhutani described how he saw the incident unfold at rival jewellers Michael Hill as he prepared to open his store.

He said the defendant was finally stopped when someone tripped him up and then pinned him to the ground.

The sales assistant joked the incident was a "morning cardio" for the up to six people who chased down the suspected thief, but said it was "pretty scary" for the workers and shoppers going about their business in the mall.

It was the second time Michael Hill had been robbed this month, Mr Bhutani said.

Detective Sergeant Nick Poland said the shop owner and staff were very thankful to all those who helped arrest the alleged offender.

Victim Support had been called in to assist the injured man and his family, who Police said were understandably distressed by the events.

Police praised the actions of those who helped out and wanted to speak to anyone who left before giving their names and contact details.

They were urged to contact Detective Constable Alex Lawton on 09 302 6557.

The defendant will be back in court On June 9.