KEY POINTS:
The man alleged to have attacked 85-year-old Eric Brady appeared in court today charged over the vicious attack.
Mr Brady, a war veteran, was attacked and dragged from the driver's seat of his car as he left the Papatoetoe RSA on Wednesday.
The accused was granted name suppression in the Manukau District Court this morning.
Lawyer Amit Malik said the man's family had not been informed of his charges and he required some time to do that.
Judge Johns also declined media applications for photographs or images of the accused, who has been remanded in custody to reappear on Friday.
The 18-year-old has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm, stealing Mr Brady's car keys and being armed with a knife.
He also faces a charge of being unlawfully in an enclosed yard, which is believed to have occurred as he allegedly tried to avoid police.
CCTV
Detective Sergeant Shaun Vickers yesterday said the arrested man was initially seen by a member of the public, who believed he recognised his face from CCTV footage near the Papatoetoe league grounds on Station Rd.
By the time police arrived the man had moved, but another member of the public showed police where he went, Mr Vickers said.
"This is a great example of the media, police, family and the community working together. As a result of the coverage of this case by the media we've received numerous phone calls that are assisting the investigation team," he said.
"The police are very appreciative of the community for their response."
Mr Brady's daughter Joanne O'Rourke and stepson Gary Brunton said yesterday that while the experience had been traumatic, the family were amazed by the community support they had been shown.
Mr Brunton said that while the family were still coming to terms with the attack, they were grateful to police, hospital staff, the media and the public.
Mr Brady, who suffered severe bruising and broken jaw bones in
the assault, remains in Middlemore Hospital.
