Corey James Young (31) was charged with aggravated robbery and dangerous driving following an incident at the Mini Mart on March 3 which left the shopkeeper seriously injured.
Dunedin scaffolder Alistair McFarlane (30) is also accused of the robbery — armed with a claw hammer — as well as wounding the complainant with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
It is alleged the duo stole cigarettes from the shop.
Young appeared in the Dunedin District Court by video link yesterday when his counsel David More entered not guilty pleas on his behalf.
The defendant will make a bail application next week.
McFarlane appeared in court earlier this month but did not enter pleas to the charges or apply for bail.
He will be back before a judge again next month.
The owner of the dairy previously told the Otago Daily Times he was struck over the head then locked himself in a back room before calling 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.
