Arrest following Sunken Gardens attack

Hawke's Bay detectives have arrested a 27-year-old Napier man on charges relating to an incident near the Marine Parade Sunken Gardens which left a 55-year-old CHB man with serious injuries.

Detective John McGregor said the man was spoken to mid-morning at a local address and later charged with grievous bodily harm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The assault took place nearly six weeks ago, on June 29, on a grassed area of the beachfront by the gardens.

Police carried out extensive forensic investigations in and around the immediate area.

Mr McGregor said it was the result of the forensic work, as well as extensive police enquiries, which led to the arrest.

The man was scheduled to appear in the Napier District Court and police were opposing bail.

The victim spent more than a week in Hawke's Bay Hospital recovering from head injuries, and also had his spleen removed.