Financial analyst says he'll defend charges over road rage attack

Sung Jin Kim was left screaming in agony with two broken legs and a shattered ankle. Photo / Brett Phibbs

A high-flying financial analyst accused of a road-rage attack that left a motorist with two broken legs and a shattered ankle made a brief appearance in court yesterday.

Guy Hallwright, a senior analyst with the investment banking company Forsyth Barr, is charged with reckless disregard for the safety of another, causing grievous bodily harm.

Hallwright's lawyer, David Reece, has said his client would defend the charges.

His case was adjourned at the Auckland District Court.

Judge Roy Wade told Mr Reece the issue would be whether Hallwright intentionally drove into the complainant.

The charge relates to an incident outside Galbraith's Alehouse in Mt Eden Rd in September.

It is alleged Hallwright was driving past the pub when he got into a row with another motorist, Sung Jin Kim.

It is understood the altercation developed after the pair, who were stopped at traffic lights, gave each other the finger and sounded their horns.

Hallwright is alleged to have got out of his car, opened Mr Kim's door and yelled at him before slamming the door and getting back into his own car.

Mr Kim got out of his car, approached Hallwright's car and banged the bonnet with both hands.

Hallwright went to drive away from Mr Kim but knocked him over and is alleged to have driven over Mr Kim's legs. Hallwright drove away from the scene, phoned 111 and then returned.

Mr Kim had two broken legs and a shattered left ankle that required reconstructive surgery. The case is due back in court next month.