A Canterbury businessman charged with a road rage attack in which a father of two was allegedly bashed and his family's puppy killed has today been remanded to psychiatric hospital custody where experts will assess his mental health.
The 51-year-old man is accused of attacking a family of four while they were walking their 10-month-old puppy near Eyre River, 20 minutes north of Christchurch, about 5.45pm on Monday.
Police say the driver was signalled to slow down as he exited the Eyre River - popular with off-road enthusiasts - crossing on to Downs Rd.
A father of two suffered head, shoulder and ankle injuries in the alleged road rage incident which claimed the life of the puppy.
The driver appeared from custody at Christchurch District Court this morning charged with injuring with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and wilful ill treatment of an animal.