Accused named in puppy death road-rage case

Name suppression has been lifted on a man charged over an alleged road-rage incident two weeks ago in which a father was run over in front of his children and the family’s puppy died.

Andrew George McDaniel, 51, was granted bail on Thursday at his second appearance in the Christchurch District Court, but it will not mean he is released.

He was originally remanded to Hillmorton Hospital for a psychiatric report to be prepared under the Criminal Procedures (Mentally Impaired Persons) Act.

Defence counsel Jeff McCall told Judge Paul Kellar on Thursday that the report had not been completed, and there was a further remand to April 23.

McDaniel wanted to be remanded on bail to live at his rural North Canterbury home, but the judge decided he would be bailed to the medium-security unit at Hillmorton Hospital where he is undergoing assessment.

McCall indicated that McDaniel would deny the charges of injuring a man with intent to cause griev- ous bodily harm and wilful illtreatment of a dog.

Police alleged at the time that McDaniel had reacted after the father of a family out walking near the Eyre River, Eyreton, indicated that McDaniel was driving too fast as he went by in his four-wheeldrive vehicle. The group included children aged 6 and 9, and a puppy.

Police alleged McDaniel then did a series of U-turns and passes in the vehicle during which the man was run over, causing injuries to his ankle, back and shoulder. The puppy was run over and had to be euthanised.

McCall asked for the continuation of the suppression order imposed two weeks ago, but the judge refused. Some restrictions on reporting remain.