Man arrested after “one punch” attack in Christchurch

A man has been arrested and charged after an alleged “one-punch assault” in Christchurch last night that has left a man in a critical condition.

A police spokesman said police were called about 11.45pm to an Ilam Road premises following a report of an assault.

The victim was transported to hospital in a critical condition, where he remains.

A 19-year-old man has been arrested and charged with wounding with reckless disregard, and is next due to appear in Christchurch District Court on 1 June.

While Police will not speak to a specific matter before the court, Detective Senior Sergeant Damon Wells notes there have been a number of cases involving one-punch assaults in Christchurch in the past year.

“It’s concerning to see this level of violence regularly, and this type of assault can have devastating consequences for victims – in some cases, it can result in a death.”

“We need people to think hard about this type of offending – you can be charged and convicted for a serious offence, and that will be life-changing for you as well.”

“We are committed to investigating these assaults and holding those who have committed this type of violence to account, and we urge people to think about what they are doing.”