The man charged with attempting to murder a 5-year-old child at Auckland's Myers Park last month has appeared in the High Court in Auckland today.
A child was seriously injured at the inner city park on October 25, and taken to Starship Childrens Hospital in a serious but stable condition, while the man, who was taken into custody at the scene, was in hospital in a serious condition with self-inflicted injuries.
The 20-year-old - who has interim name suppression - appeared with a black face mask and head bowed as Justice Mathew Downs' statements were interpreted by a Mandarin speaker.
Superintendent Sunny Patel said at the time emergency services were called to the central city park at about 4.45pm on Sunday October 25 after reports of a serious assault.
"The 20-year-old has been charged with attempted murder in relation to the assault on the child. The child’s family have been advised and are being supported."
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Police said shortly after the attack that the child had been assaulted by an “unknown man”.
The defendant also faced charges in the district court that the Crown intended would come to the High Court as well.
The trial for the attempted murder charge was set down for February 8, 2028 with two reports required before then under the Criminal Procedure (Mentally Impaired Persons) Act 2003.
"Those assessments are to see if you’re fit to be tried," Justice Downs said.
The name of the victim is suppressed by law because of her age.
The defendant's lawyer sought interim name suppression due to extreme hardship in relation to mental health issues, which was granted by Justice Downs.
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