A duo who allegedly robbed a Mosgiel dairy of cigarettes and attacked the shopkeeper with a hammer will remain in custody for now.
Dunedin scaffolder Alistair McFarlane (30) appeared in the Dunedin District Court yesterday charged with aggravated robbery and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm following an incident at the Mini Mart on March 3.
Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment.
McFarlane did not enter pleas, nor did he apply for bail.
Counsel Sarah Saunderson-Warner said an electronically monitored-bail application was being prepared in advance of a hearing next month.
A second defendant, an Invercargill man with interim name suppression, also made a brief appearance.
He, too, was remanded in custody and will appear again this month.
The owner of the dairy previously told the Otago Daily Times he was hit over the head then fled to a back room where he locked himself in before calling the police.
Emergency services arrived minutes later and the dairy owner was taken to hospital where he spent five nights after having surgery on his skull.
