Beaten-up lawyer in bad state
A high-profile lawyer remains in intensive care after an alleged assault in Whanganui’s CBD.
Mark John Bullock was seriously injured and flown to Wellington Hospital early on Saturday. He is in a serious condition.
Police will speak with many witnesses this week but still want to hear from anyone who hasn’t come forward.
Forestry worker Villiome Nuku Kuruyabaki, 23, appeared before the registrar in the Whanganui District Court yesterday and entered no plea to a charge of causing grievous bodily harm to Bullock with intent to injure.
Defence lawyer Mark Mcghie sought a three-week remand to gain police disclosure.
The accused was remanded on bail, with conditions including a 24-hour curfew unless working, not to contact the victim, not use alcohol or enter licensed premises and not apply for a passport. He will reappear on May 17 to plead.
Whanganui police were called to the intersection of Taupō Quay and Victoria Ave at 2am on Saturday after reports of an assault.
The scene was cordoned off until 9.30am, while officers scoured the area.
Bullock was born and bred in Whanganui where he began his legal career in 1994 and now has his name above the door at legal firm Bullock and Associates Lawyers.
Colleagues did not wish to comment when approached by Open Justice.
Whanganui Water Ski Club captain Nick Bakker said he remembered Bullock from when he brought his kids to the club about 10 years ago.
“He was real cool . . . He enjoyed the social side of things,” Bakker said.
Bullock was well thought of in the community, he said.
Anyone with information can call 105 and quote file number 220423/8447 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.