Man assaulted, shop windows smashed
A MAN appeared in court in relation to an early morning assault on a 71yearold man and a string of smashed windows in central Dunedin.
Jeweller Brent Weatherall said the attack happened in front of his George St store and was caught on CCTV.
It happened about 2am and was preceded by a window smashing spree that lasted for about half an hour, he said.
The windows of Mr Weatherall’s store were not broken but staff arrived to find blood splattered on their doorstep from the ‘‘horrific’’ attack, he said.
In George St, extensive damage could be seen to the shopfronts of Whitcoulls and Farmers, with less severe damage to the shopfront of $ n’sense.
‘‘I think it’s an extremely sad state of affairs that seems to be more of a common occurrence these days, and it only worries me what we’ve got to look forward to in the future when they block off George St for pedestrianisation, it worries me definitely,’’ Mr Weatherall said.
The footage showed the man had been hit by an object before he fell to the ground and the assault continued while the victim was lying in the street, Mr Weatherall said.
‘‘It’s not nice to see at all . . . I just hope the individual is going to be OK,’’ he said.
Constable Nick Turner, of Dunedin, said a 31yearold man was walking down the street breaking windows and a 71yearold man challenged him on his behaviour.
The 31yearold allegedly assaulted the older man, who was taken to hospital with head injuries, Const Turner said.
A police spokeswoman said the alleged assailant was arrested and charged with injuring with intent and four counts of wilful damage.
The alleged assailant appeared in court yesterday and has been remanded in custody until September 8.