22 Jun 2021

Dunedin supermarket stabbings: Accused pleads not guilty to attempted murder

9:52 am on 22 June 2021

The man accused of carrying out a stabbing rampage in a central Dunedin supermarket has pleaded not guilty to four charges of attempted murder.

Cordons outside Countdown on Cumberland Street, Dunedin after a stabbing.

The man is accused of attempted murder following stabbings at the Cumberland Street supermarket. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Four people were taken to hospital after the attack at the Countdown supermarket on Cumberland Street on 10 May. Among those injured were two Countdown staff.

The 42-year-old accused has retained name suppression at this stage.

He appeared briefly in the High Court in Dunedin via audio-visual link where not guilty pleas were entered by his lawyer and he elected trial by jury.

Further arguments regarding suppression will be heard in August.

The court has ordered a psychiatric report.

Dunedin High and District Court

Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon