Man in court for attack on teens

Starling Park in west Auckland, where a young couple were attacked in March. Photo / Brett Phibbs

An unemployed man appeared in court today charged with a brutal attack which left a young couple with critical head injuries in a west Auckland park in March.

The 25-year-old man was remanded in custody until his next appearance at Auckland District Court on September 25.

His lawyer, Kathryn Maxwell, asked for an adjournment as there were a "few complicated matters" which needed to be addressed, she told the court.

The man denies charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and aggravated robbery after the attack in Starling Park, Ranui, on March 7.

Police said the two teenage victims, a 17-year-old girl and her 19-year-old boyfriend, were left lying in pools of their own blood and taken to hospital fighting for their lives.

Both victims are making steady progress in their recovery.

The woman has had two lengthy operations to repair damage and police said her youth had been a key factor in her recovery, which was still expected to take some time.

Her boyfriend had been discharged from a brain injury rehabilitation centre and was slowly regaining use of the left side of his body.

It was hoped he would regain full use of all functions, police said.

- NZPA