Public clash: 'gentle giant' versus shock jock

Iain Stables (pictured) says Patrick Ulberg punched him. Photo / Brett Phibbs

The airport worker accused of leaping over a check-in desk to attack notorious radio shock jock Iain Stables has been described as a "gentle giant".

Patrick Ulberg, 27, appeared in Manukau District Court on Friday charged with assaulting the Radio Hauraki presenter who has built a career on shock and offence.

Stables was allegedly set upon last weekend after telling the airport worker that he was "a loser and you work for a loser airline" after missing a flight.

The radio DJ has clashed publicly with airport staff before, with live-to-air prank calls.

In September 2000, Stables was convicted and fined $1100 for impersonating a detective from Interpol. He called Los Angeles airport police and claimed three fellow DJs had tried to enter the US with kiwi eggs hidden in their "rear cavities".

In 2004 he forced surf lifesavers to close three Northland beaches after phoning lifeguards to say there was sewage in one area and sharks in another.

Patrick Ulberg, originally from American Samoa, has been told by a lawyer not to say anything about the case.

His wife Susana said: "We are just going to wait and see what the court decides. It's before the courts and we will leave it at that."

The church-going couple moved into their home in Otahuhu, South Auckland, around six months ago.

One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said Ulberg was a "gentle giant". Another local resident, Lorraine Williamson, described them as "perfect neighbours".

She said: "They are a lovely couple. Patrick's really cool. We are very happy that they are living next to us."

Ulberg was employed as a counter staff worker for Skycare, a firm contracted by Jetstar.

Skycare spokesman Pete Yap said the firm had stood Ulberg down while they investigated the incident.

Stables gave a statement to police alleging Ulberg punched him in the back of the head and then leaped over the counter to punch him several more times before they were separated by airport security.

Stables continued his trip to Wellington where he was treated for concussion, bruising and cuts.

He said he intended to file a civil claim against Jetstar.

Air New Zealand this week urged customers to "get flights, not into fights" in a tongue-in-cheek internet advertisement.