The 71-year-old victim of an unprovoked attack outside his home on Saturday night is out of hospital but is facing a lengthy recovery process, Central Otago sub-area police commander Senior Sergeant Ian Kerrisk said yesterday.
The man received significant facial injuries but is expected to make a full recovery.
It seemed the man had discovered his letterbox had been broken about 10.30pm. When he went outside to check, he saw a man on the street who looked like he needed help, Snr Sgt Kerrisk said. He went to help, but the man then allegedly attacked him "completely unprovoked".
"We are very grateful to neighbours and family of the victim that managed to apprehend and detain the person."
A 31-year old seasonal worker had been arrested and charged with wilful damage, though other charges will follow.
He was bailed to appear in the Alexandra District Court tomorrow.
• Alexandra police investigating a graffiti incident in Clyde say they believe the offenders are locals, though they have still yet to track them down.
Snr Sgt Kerrisk said one of the tags mentioned a victim by name, which led police to believe the taggers lived locally.
Twenty-five incidents of sometimes obscene graffiti had been discovered since Sunday morning , and the nature of them was "upsetting to everybody", he said.
"The whole of the Clyde community that we have spoken to is upset and angry."
Snr Sgt Kerrisk said graffiti fell under the umbrella of wilful damage but due to the obscene nature, police were considering other charges.
Anyone with any information should contact the Alexandra police or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.
