Man charged over Square attack

A Whanganui man has been arrested and charged with the alleged assault of a Palmerston North landscaper in The Square earlier this month.

Jonathan Thompson, 23, received serious head injuries after being assaulted on the Church St side of The Square about 2.30pm on March 7.

Michael Abernethy, 29, was arrested in Palmerston North yesterday in connection with the attack.

He has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with reckless disregard but offered no plea when he appeared in the Palmerston North District Court yesterday.

Abernethy was remanded on bail until his next appearance later this month.

Detective Sergeant Dave Clifford said police would not pursue anyone else for the attack.

Mr Thompson's mother, Joanna, said she was pleased and relieved an arrest had been made.

Mr Thompson, who was flown to Wellington for skull surgery after the attack, was discharged from Palmerston North Hospital this week, and is recovering at home.

- © Fairfax NZ News