Alleged attacker remanded

A man appeared in Hawera district court on Tuesday facing charges of assault, assault with a knife and threatening to kill.

Kevin John Smith was remanded on bail until August 26 to allow time for him to consult with his legal aid lawyer. Conditions of his bail included not having contact with his alleged victim.

The charges relate to an incident on Cardiff Rd where a maintenance crew was making improvements to bridge approaches.

According to witnesses, Smith approached the workers complaining about the work. It is alleged he punched one of the workers and attacked him with a small knife.

Police arrested the suspect at his home following enquiries.

A spokesperson for the road maintenance company was unable to comment as the case was before the courts, directing questions to Stratford District Council.

A council spokesman said the safety of workers, both directly employed and contractors, was paramount, and he was pleased to hear that charges had been laid.

He added that while he accepted that roadworks could cause minor short-term inconvenience to road users, he hoped most people would appreciate the work.

The spokesman also confirmed that council has agreed to put the project on hold until the matter before the court is dealt with.

A 56-year-old woman was convicted and discharged by Judge Max Courtney yesterday when she appeared in Hawera District Court charged with making a false statement to police.

The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge, which related to an incident in Hastings in February. The court heard that the defendant had made a verbal complaint of rape to police but did not return to file a formal complaint. The police spent an estimated 40 hours investigating.

The man named in her complaint was her ex-partner at the time. They are now back together.

Judge Courtney gave her credit for her guilty plea and for the fact she had never appeared in court before. He warned her that another offence would not be dealt with in the same manner.