The man accused of carrying out a violent rampage in Auckland's Epsom last month — injuring three high school cyclists, assaulting a jogger and killing a dog — has pleaded not guilty and can now be named.
Shalty Jessie Heta, 49, is facing a raft of charges, including wounding and injuring with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, assault with a weapon, and dangerous driving.
Appearing in the Auckland District Court on Friday, Heta entered not guilty pleas to all charges and elected trial by jury.
His lawyer, Jane-Frances O'Halloran, confirmed he was no longer seeking name suppression.
Heta was taken into custody on August 5 following what police described as a "violent series of events" in Epsom shortly after 7am.
In the space of about eight minutes, police allege he assaulted a female jogger on Manukau Rd, then stole a car before striking a group of Auckland Grammar School cyclists on a training ride.
Three teenage boys were hurt, including one who was critically injured, hospitalised and required surgery.
A police spokesperson said they would not comment on the boy's recovery for privacy reasons but said last month he was awake and talking.
Police allege that after crashing the stolen car, Heta approached a woman walking two of her dogs and violently killed one of them.
Heta will next appear in court in December.
Petition calls for dedicated police presence
A petition to Parliament is calling for a dedicated police officer or patrol car on Manukau Road during school drop-off and pick-up hours following last month's incident.
The petition calls for a fixed police presence on the road between 7am and 9am and again from 2.30pm to 4.30pm on weekdays during the school term.
"With nine schools nearby, thousands of children are estimated to travel this road daily during peak hours," organiser Anna Su wrote.
"I believe a dedicated police presence at these times would provide deterrence and rapid response; and reassure students, families, and staff. I feel this would prevent future incidents and protect students travelling to and from school."
More than 250 people have signed the petition.
There is no minimum number of signatures required for a petition to be considered by Parliament. Once presented by an MP, it is referred to the Petitions Committee, which can seek further information and make recommendations.
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