A man accused of savagely beating a parking warden is defending allegations against him, claiming he was not the aggressor.
Peter Brenan Gallagher, 59, appeared in the Auckland District Court yesterday facing a charge of wounding with intent to injure after the July incident. The warden was in hospital for five nights with injuries that included a collapsed lung.
Gallagher's lawyer Peter Eastwood said his client was initially assaulted and what followed was "an automatic response to defend himself".
The court heard how there was an initial altercation, which escalated when the men came together again.
Judge Nevin Dawson remanded Gallagher on bail until next month to give police a chance to make disclosure.
