A Whangarei mother of two has died in hospital after a
domestic dispute and more serious charges are likely to be
laid against the man accused of assaulting her.
Patricia Anne McGrath, 34, of Whangarei, died yesterday. She
had been taken to hospital on Saturday morning after
suffering head injuries during an assault in her Fairway Dr,
Kamo home the night before.
It is believed Ms McGrath - who has two children aged 15 and
12 - was taken off life support on Sunday and died about 1pm
today.
From the outset, Friday's assault was serious enough to
warrant investigation by uniformed and CIB police staff.
Police teams interviewed neighbours in the area over the
weekend and took away exhibits from the house.
Whangarei police Detective Sergeant Shane Pilmer said it was
highly likely more serious charges would be laid against
Phillip Andre Mahanga, 32, who has been charged with
assaulting Ms McGrath.
Mahanga appeared in the Whangarei District Court yesterday
and entered no plea to the assault charge.
He was remanded in custody until January 21. Mahanga is also
accused of breaching bail, and is in custody until February
19 on that charge.
Mahanga and Ms McGrath had been living at the Fairway Dr home
together.
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