Servicestation attack accused loses name suppression

THE man accused of a servicestation attack which left a man fighting for his life can now be named

JohnBoy Rakete (25) — a hammer hand, of Dunedin — appeared in the Dunedin District Court yesterday charged with causing grievous bodily harm with reckless disregard for the safety of others.

He pleaded not guilty and elected jury trial.

The incident took place about 10.30pm on July 7 on the forecourt of Mobil Forbury in Hillside Rd.

The 43yearold victim was left in a serious but stable condition in hospital following the alleged assault.

Counsel Rhona Daysh argued suppression for her client should continue because ‘‘mud sticks’’.

Judge Thomas Ingram ruled no extreme hardship to the defendant was demonstrated, and suppression lapsed.

He declined an Otago Daily

Times application to photograph Rakete, who appeared in court via video link from prison.

Members of the victim’s family have spoken about the man’s precarious state and prosecutor Sergeant Chris George told the court he was unsure whether his condition was likely to deteriorate.

He told the court there was a ‘‘real possibility’’ Rakete could be facing an altered charge.

The defendant will next appear in court in October.

He will make an application for electronicallymonitored bail before that date, the court heard.