Arrest Made in Assault Case

Counties Manukau, 31 October 2014 - Police investigating the serious assault of a 24 year old man in August have made an arrest.

On 1 August 2014 Adam Benefield, of Otaua, was at a relative’s address on Sapling Place, Pukekohe. He left on foot at around midnight. It is believed that he was heading to meet up with friends in the area.

Shortly after leaving Sapling Place and not long after midnight, he was found unconscious on the road outside the block of shops situated at the intersection of Princess Street and Beatty Road, Pukekohe, by members of the public.

Prior to him being located, yelling was heard outside the shops and people were seen running from the scene.

He received life threatening injuries from the assault from which he has spent two months recovering in a rehabilitation unit.

Following publicity about the case, Police arrested a 16 year old local man in September who was charged with the assault.

Detective Kiley Dalbeth of Counties Manukau South CIB says that the arrest would not have been possible without the assistance from the Pukekohe community.

“However the investigation is still ongoing and we firmly believe that the man we have arrested did not act alone. We are still interested in hearing from anyone who can help to identify the man’s co-offenders.

“We believe that someone local to the Pukekohe area will have this information and we strongly encourage them to come forward to assist the investigation,” says Detective Dalbeth.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the organisation Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or to contact Detective Dalbeth on 09 295 0359.

On 8 October Adam Benefield was discharged from a head injury rehabilitation unit. He is now continuing his recovery at home.

ENDS

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