Assault charge after West Coast man smashed over head with beer mug

Senior sergeant Brent Cook, of Greymouth police, said a 56-year-old Hokitika man suffered cuts to the head and ear in the attack. Photo / File

A 44-year-old Hokitika man who allegedly smashed a beer mug over a friend's head and then assaulted police during his arrest, will face serious assault charges when he appears in the Christchurch District Court next week.

Senior sergeant Brent Cook, of Greymouth police, said a 56-year-old Hokitika man suffered cuts to the head and ear in the attack, which occurred during an argument while the pair were drinking at a Hokitika house.

Cook said the victim was struck around the side of the head with a heavy drinking vessel, believed to be a beer mug. The cuts were caused by the handle of the broken glass and were not life-threatening.

Both Greymouth and Hokitika police were called to the property on the night of December 28; one officer received a "kick in the lip" from the intoxicated offender.

The man appeared in the Greymouth District Court charged with injuring with intent, assaulting police and resisting arrest.

He was further remanded in custody to Christchurch Men's Prison until his next court date, on Monday.

- Hokitika Guardian