Two people are in custody awaiting sentence after a trial witness was offered cannabis and then smashed in the face with a pick-axe handle.
Angela Georgina Manning, a 36-year-old Spreydon woman, pleaded guilty to a charge of corrupting a witness, at an appearance before Judge Philip Moran in Christchurch District Court today.
Murry Christopher Orchard, a 45-year-old driver, had already admitted charges of obstructing the course of justice and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Both are now in custody for probation reports and sentence on March 5. No bail applications were made.
According to the police's summary of facts, the events began on March 24, 2007, when the police interviewed a man at Christchurch Hospital's emergency department about stab wounds to his shoulder and back.
Manning was questioned and then charged with wounding him with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
A depositions hearing was held and a trial date set. When the victim arrived at the court house for the trial, he was approached by Manning and Orchard, who both said he was a dead man if he gave evidence and his family would not be safe from their gang contacts.
They also said they would give him five ounces of cannabis if he would stay away and not give evidence.
The man left the court house because he was frightened for the safety of himself and his family. A police patrol went to his home to find him, but he hid in the house until they went away.
The trial could not proceed and a new date was arranged for the next week.
The victim got a text message about picking up his cannabis and went to a vehicle towing yard in Addington with a friend.
Orchard met him there and got him to go around the back of the yard. Once they were there, Orchard struck him across the face with a 90cm long pick-axe handle.
The blow broke his eye socket and cheek bone and damaged his retina, and cut his face. The man was dazed and fell.
Orchard then threatened him and his friend not to give evidence or go to the police, and said gang members would hunt them down if they did.
The friend helped the victim to his feet. The victim was soaking up blood with a towel from the washroom as Orchard saw them off the property. The friend took the man to hospital where he had to have reconstructive surgery.
