Arrest news pleases club bashing victim

Four accused men are in police custody. File photo / NZ Herald

The victim of a bashing on a central Auckland street is relieved four men have been arrested, but has a long way to go until he is fully recovered.

The four men will appear in the Auckland District Court today on charges relating to the attack on 18-year-old Damon Matthews outside the Pyramid night club on Wyndham St on May 5.

An 18-year-old unemployed Mt Roskill man and a 22-year-old airport worker from Pakuranga are each charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

A 19-year-old unemployed man from Pakuranga and a 23-year-old airport worker from Mangere Bridge are each charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and assault with intent to injure.

Mr Matthews was set upon when he tried to break up a fight that started outside the club when a group were refused entry.

Mr Matthews' mother, Cindy Estreich, said yesterday that her son was "up and down" but was getting better.

"He's very tired, obviously, he sleeps a lot," Ms Estreich said. "Other than that he's a bit bored but does understand he has to take it easy."

But he and his family were still thankful, she said.

Family and close friends had visited since Mr Matthews was released from Auckland City Hospital's neurological ward.

He could still remember little from the attack.

"It's a bit in-and-out. I don't know if he'll ever remember anything from his knock out."

The recovery was taking time and he was sleeping about 12 hours a day.

"It's like a roller-coaster - you go up and down and a bit all over the place ... Just adjusting to what really did happen."

They hoped to meet trainee nurse Bryar Ward to thank her for saving Mr Matthews' life. Ms Ward gave him CPR when he twice stopped breathing.

The four accused men are in police custody.