Man suffers fractured jaw after drug deal gone wrong in ski field car park

The victim arranged to meet 'Mikayla' in the Coronet Peak car park to supply MDMA. Photo / Supplied

A man who claimed he was assaulted while helping a stranded stranger near Queenstown had his jaw broken during a drug deal gone wrong.

After the attack the man, who had surgery to repair his jaw, told police he was robbed and assaulted after stopping to assist a man who was signalling for assistance.

However, in the Queenstown District Court yesterday, the attacker admitted to a very different set of facts.

Cromwell caterer Manawa Rakete-Shea, 21, admitted injuring the man with reckless disregard and stealing a backpack on March 26.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Ian Collin said that Rakete-Shea had communicated with the victim via text message and social media apps pretending to be a female called Mikayla.

They arranged to meet in the car park of the Coronet Peak Ski Area, where the victim believed he would be supplying ''Mikayla'' with MDMA.

Rakete-Shea arrived at the car park and approached the victim, then after a short discussion punched him once in the head.

He then stole the man's backpack, valued at $450, which contained MDMA and headphones, and left the area.

The victim's jaw was fractured in the attack and he had bruising to his face.

Judge Richard Russell convicted Rakete-Shea on both charges and remanded him on bail to appear for sentencing on August 30.

At the request of Rakete-Shea's lawyer, Louise Denton, Judge Russell asked for a cultural report, which would outline factors such as the offender's cultural background, personal circumstances and their family and community.