Two charges of using a gas torch to assault a woman have been laid against a 44-year-old man who was allegedly on the run from police for seven months.
The assault with a weapon charges were among seven charges laid against Anaru Turei Tamati Rangihuna today for the first time at the Christchurch District Court when he made a remand appearance by video-link.
The charges allege that twice on October 18, at Christchurch, he assaulted the same woman using a portable butane gas torch as a weapon.
He also faces new charges of assault on a woman, indecent assault, kidnapping the woman, assaulting her with intent to injure, and unlawful possession of a Glock pistol.
He indicated today to Judge Tom Gilbert that he intended to “strongly deny” all charges.
Rangihuna, described as a panelbeater, of no fixed abode, was sought by the police after the incident in October, when he was originally charged with kidnapping, intentionally injuring the woman, and threatening to kill or do grievous bodily harm.
Police say he then went on the run and they warned the public not to approach him because he was likely armed with a handgun. An arrest warrant was issued for him at that time “in lieu of summons”, meaning that he could not be found.
He was located in rural Canterbury in May, after seven months on the run, and has been remanded in custody without plea since then.
Rangihuna said today he was changing lawyers, and Judge Gilbert remanded him in custody without plea to July 3 for a him to approach a new lawyer, or for a new legal aid lawyer to be assigned.
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