Machete attack teen pleads guilty

Taihape police officer Bruce Mellor after he was attacked with a machete. Photo / Supplied

One of two teenagers charged with attempted murder after a policeman was attacked with a machete at Taihape last year has pleaded guilty.

He is Japhet Joseph Simiona, 18, of Awahuri, near Feilding, who was remanded for sentencing on April 5 when he appeared before Judge Peter Callinicos in Wanganui Youth Court today.

A 14-year-old appearing on the same charge was remanded without plea to reappear on April 14 so that forensic tests involved with the case could be completed. He cannot be named because of his age.

Both teens have been accused of attacking Senior Constable Bruce Mellor early in the morning of December 11 after he pulled over the red Mazda 323 hatchback in which they were travelling. It had been stolen from Whanganui and was reportedly being driven in an erratic manner.

Mr Mellor is alleged to have been attacked from behind with a machete as he returned to his patrol car to check details of the Mazda and its occupants.

He suffered a fractured skull, a broken eye socket and jaw and broken front teeth, cuts to his face, skull, arms and hands and a massive gash running around his forehead to his ear.

He is still undergoing rehabilitation and has not yet returned to work.

At today's hearing Simiona offered through his counsel, Debbie Goodlet, to engage in restorative justice "not as a substitute but as part of the sentencing process".

Judge Callinicos noted the offer and said it would be explored with the victim.

Neither of the youths entered pleas to additional charges of attempted arson and unlawfully taking the car which was found near the scene of the attack. An attempt had been made to set the vehicle on fire.

- NZPA