Myers Park accused granted interim name suppression as case moves to High Court

A judge granted interim name suppression on 27 October to a 20-year-old man charged with attempted murder over an alleged assault on a child at Myers Park in central Auckland, and transferred the case to the High Court at Auckland, the NZ Herald reported. The accused remained in hospital and did not attend the hearing, where no plea was entered.

Judge Nicola Mathers made the orders after the case was called in the man’s absence, according to the NZ Herald. The suppression is interim. The Herald said he would have another opportunity to enter a plea when the case is called at the High Court next month.

What led to the Myers Park charge

Auckland City District Commander Superintendent Sunny Patel said on Monday that the man had been charged with attempted murder. Patel said the child was in serious but stable condition at Starship Hospital, while the accused was in serious condition in hospital after self-inflicted injuries, according to RNZ. The child’s family had been notified and was receiving support, Patel said.

Police investigation and the next court step

Police said their examination of the park had been completed and cordons around the playground removed. They were continuing to investigate, but were not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident and did not believe there was an ongoing risk to the public, RNZ reported.

Police asked anyone who witnessed the incident or had photographs or video to contact them through 105, quoting case number 261025/2283. On 27 October, RNZ reported that police described the child as doing well and still in stable condition. Defence lawyer Jason Yang said the accused remained in hospital.