A student who allegedly attacked his flatmates on lockdown has had his name suppressed because his parents are part of the Government's Covid-19 response team.
The teenager appeared in the Dunedin District Court yesterday charged with one count of assault and another of assaulting a different man with a golf club.
After lengthy discussions, which are statutorily suppressed, Judge Michael Crosbie granted the man bail to a South Dunedin address.
A move to the North Island to stay with his parents would be considered later.
Defence counsel Anne Stevens QC requested name suppression because there might be extreme hardship to her client's parents.
Both, she said, had been classed as essential workers and one had a senior role in the state's response to the spread of the virus.
Judge Crosbie granted bail on condition the teen did not possess non-prescription drugs, did not contact the residents of his North Dunedin flat or visit the address.
If he was able to travel to the North Island, the defendant was barred from entering Dunedin except for court appearances.
The student will appear in court again next month.
