Helicopter attack accused denied bail

NZPA

DANIEL ORMSBY: Denied bail.

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A Tokaanu man who allegedly caused $20,000 damage to a helicopter by throwing rocks at it had previously taken pot shots at planes with an air rifle, Taupo District Court has been told.

Daniel Ormsby, 44, is charged with damaging a Helipro Squirrel helicopter in a manner likely to endanger people on board when in flight, and assaulting helicopter pilot Matthew Boulcott with a weapon.

Ormsby allegedly threw stones at the helicopter last week when Mr Boulcott landed it near Tokaanu, and again as it took off. Rocks smashed the cockpit windscreen and narrowly missed damaging rotor blades.

Mr Boulcott and two passengers had been surveying Waihi Village by air to assess landslide risks.

In court yesterday, Sergeant Mark Robertson said Ormsby was "passionate" and "driven" to defend his land and his beliefs.

There was a risk if Ormsby was bailed and returned to Tokaanu, which had a large amount of commercial tourism involving aircraft, Mr Robertson said. "He has a previous history of taking pot shots at aircraft with an air rifle."

Judge Patrick Treston remanded Ormsby in custody until August 13 to make an application for electronic bail to an Auckland address.

Outside court, a family member said Ormsby was frustrated by trespassers on Maori-owned land near Tokaanu.

"He has been the kaitiaki [guardian] of the area since he was 12 years old and feels he has to protect it."

- © Fairfax NZ News