MELBOURNE: A 47-year-old Indian-origin man has been charged with attempted murder for attacking a woman with a ceremonial sword at her home in New Zealand’s Hamilton city, a media reported said today.
Manjit Singh, a resident of Pukekohe town, was sent to custody by the Hamilton district court after he was arrested in Favona, South Auckland last night.
Singh faces charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, physically abusing a protected person while a protection order was in force against him, and using a weapon to commit an imprisonable offence – namely assault, Stuff.co.nz news website reported.
“[We are] so glad he got caught and he can’t hurt anyone else,” said Brad Morgan, nephew of the 50-year-old victim.
The woman was taken to Waikato Hospital with severe injuries to her head and arms following the assault with the sword at her house in Fairview Downs, the report said.
“She will require significant treatment at the hospital,” said Detective Senior Sergeant Ross Patterson of Hamilton CIB.
Singh was also under mental health care and was believed to be armed with a handgun.
“The Mason Clinic and the Ministry of Health have confirmed that the man sought by Hamilton police for an alleged serious assault on his partner was under the care of forensic mental health services,” a statement in the court said.
Singh had gone to the property on Wednesday night. Emergency services were called following the attack, Patterson said.
“We believe the woman has been assaulted with a sword and as a result suffered serious injuries. She is currently stable,” Patterson said, adding that Singh was thought to have been at the house for some time before the attack.
The sword used, which was understood to be ceremonial, had been inside the house and not brought with him, Patterson said.
“I think it was a serious assault – her face as she was leaving was horrifying. From the light inside the ambulance, I am fairly sure she had injuries to her face,” said a neighbor.
The court said a formal investigation into the incident would be announced soon. Singh will next appear in the high court in Hamilton on November 18.–PTI
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