Christchurch man charged in train mask case

Video footage showed a group of men dressed up as Mr Four Square. Photo / Supplied

A Christchurch manager has indicated a guilty plea after two teenagers claimed they were attacked on an Auckland train where he was disguised in a mask and apron.

Giuseppe Lyle Vassalini, 32, appeared in the Auckland District Court this morning charged with assault.

The Rolleston man, dressed smartly in a suit, was remanded on bail by a Community Magistrate to appear again in the Christchurch District Court on October 25.

Vassalini was one of a group of men, dressed as the Four Square character, believed to be travelling to the Auckland Darts Masters competition on August 12.

Video footage shows the group allegedly assaulting and abusing two teenagers on the train.

Police said it was a "completely unprovoked attack".

A 31-year-old Waikato painter and decorator was also charged and will be sentenced for indecent exposure in the Hamilton District Court on December 4.

A 35-year-old teacher from Papamoa, near Tauranga, will appear tomorrow in the Auckland District Court charged with assault with intent to injure.

The mother of one of the teens said her daughter and friend were travelling home on the train when they were confronted by five drunk men in costumes.

Police earlier said there was a large amount of public interest in this case and thanked the public for the information provided, Transdev and Auckland Transport for their support.