Mental patient accused of axe attack

A vicious axe attack on an elderly Christchurch man is the second violent incident this week being blamed on mental health patients.

Nicholas Robert Clarke, 36, was due to appear in the Christchurch District Court yesterday on charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, dangerous driving and driving while forbidden in relation to an attack on David Webster at his bach near Arthurs Pass.

Instead Clarke was remanded for two weeks at Christchurch's Hillmorton Hospital for a psychiatric assessment without appearing before a judge.

Mr Webster, who suffered deep cuts and severe bruising and was recuperating at his home yesterday after being discharged from Christchurch Hospital, did not want to speak about his ordeal.

Police said Mr Webster's injuries appeared to be consistent with an axe attack.

The Canterbury District Health Board revealed that Clarke had received mental health care from the West Coast District Health Board. The West Coast board refused to comment.

The drama near Arthurs Pass on Wednesday began when Clarke allegedly turned up at Mr Webster's bach in the small township of Bealey. Police did not release further details of the attack because the case is before the court.

A bloodied Mr Webster emerged from bush near the township and sought help from road workers on duty near Bealey.

An off-duty police officer passing through came across the road workers as they were providing first aid to Mr Webster, and followed Clarke's car car until other police were called in to apprehend him.

Clarke, driving a Ford Falcon, was eventually arrested after a 30-minute police pursuit in which he allegedly reached speeds of up to 130km/h. His vehicle was brought to a stop by road spikes and he was arrested near Christchurch Men's Prison, about 20 minutes' drive from Christchurch.

Senior Sergeant Stu Munro said police wanted to stop Clarke before he reached the densely populated city.