McDonald’s Mt Roskill stabbing: Man appears in court over attack on woman

The 45-year-old man accused of a frenzied attack on a person at an Auckland branch of McDonald’s yesterday sought release on bail this morning as he appeared in court for the first time.

Judge Anna Skellern denied the request, noting the seriousness of the allegations as she remanded him in custody until his next appearance in Auckland District Court one month from now.

The defendant wore a suit as he stood in the dock between two members of courthouse security. Details of the allegations discussed during the hearing cannot be reported due to Bail Act restrictions.

His lawyer sought and was granted interim name suppression, noting that his elderly parents are travelling overseas at the moment and haven’t yet been informed of the charges.

Police swarmed the fast-food restaurant on Stoddard Rd in Mt Roskill just after 8pm in response to a report of a stabbing, with about a dozen police vehicles attending.

A person was taken to hospital and another was taken into custody.

McDonald's staff were evacuated from the restaurant on Thursday night following the incident. Photo / Hayden Woodward

The victim remains in hospital with critical injuries, Detective Senior Sergeant Ash Matthews of the Auckland City CIB said this morning.

Court documents reveal his alleged victim is a family member with whom he shares a surname.

Along with the charge of causing grievous bodily harm to a woman he is also accused of failing to assist police in a search.

About a dozen police vehicles were at the scene yesterday. Photo / Hayden Woodward

Today Matthews reassured the public there was no ongoing threat to public safety.

“This appears to be an isolated incident between two parties in a family relationship.”

Police attendance at McDonald's on Stoddard Rd after a woman was critically stabbed shortly before 8pm. Photo / Hayden Woodward

There would be an increased police presence in the area today while a scene examination was completed.

As the matter was now before the court, police were limited in providing further comment.

Footage from the scene last night showed emergency services carrying someone out on a stretcher and a large amount of blood inside the restaurant. About a dozen police vehicles were at the scene.

Family violence - do you need help?

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger call the police on 111 - or ask neighbours or friends to ring for you.

If you are being abused, remember it’s not your fault. Violence is never okay.

For more help:

• Women’s Refuge: 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 843 .womensrefuge.org.nzShine: 0508 744 633 2shine.org.nz
• Shakti: Providing specialist cultural services for African, Asian and Middle Eastern women and their children. 0800 742 584
• Ministry of Justice: justice.govt.nz/family-justice/domestic-violence
• National Network of Stopping Violence: nnsvs.org.nz
• White Ribbon: Aiming to eliminate men’s violence towards women whiteribbon.org.nz