Arrest over Lisa Lewis 'in-laws' bashing

Lisa Lewis. Photo / Herald on Sunday

A 39-year-old man has been arrested after an attack on prominent New Zealand escort Lisa Lewis.

Ms Lewis, who became a household name after streaking in a bikini during an All Black game, had teeth knocked out and was taken to Waikato Hospital by ambulance with a neck brace on Saturday night.

Miss Lewis suffered serious injuries in an attack her boyfriend blames on members of his family who disapprove of their relationship.

Last night, Te Awamutu police confirmed that a 39-year-old man had been arrested in connection with an assault on a 30-year-old woman.

"Our investigation is still under way and we are not ruling out further arrests," said Sergeant Chris Greenwood.

Boyfriend Drew Cocker described the alleged attack.

"My family have never accepted Lisa and they never will," Mr Cocker said.

"My aunty took the first swing at Lisa, Lisa went to strike back and then my cousin-in-law came and punched her with full force."

The incident happened at the couple's new home in Cambridge during a barbecue that was meant to be a house-warming party.

"We've had a bad run with my family, who don't approve of me seeing Lisa. What they've done to her is really not on."

Ms Lewis was officially divorced in May after being married for nine years, and has had an on-off relationship with Mr Cocker.

Yesterday she was discharged from hospital but Mr Cocker said she was "not in good shape" and had been put on a liquid diet and instructed to limit her movements.

"She suffered one of the hardest punches I've seen and got knocked out cold. Lisa was totally unconscious after it happened," he said.

"Her front teeth got knocked right out and she's seen an emergency dentist, but it will be a while before they look like what they were before."

Mr Cocker said the police were called, and a formal complaint was lodged.

"We want a protection order so that my side of the family can get nowhere near Lisa again."

Mr Cocker said that about eight members of his family went to the barbecue with the intention to "pick a fight".

The assault followed an argument during which his family members made derogatory comments about Ms Lewis, he said.

"We want nothing more to do with my family, but Lisa is touched by the love and messages of support she is getting from friends."

Images of the injured Ms Lewis have been uploaded to her Facebook page.

Last year she was a candidate in the mayoral election in Hamilton.