assault

Hadi Matar, 24, is accused of wounding Rushdie, 75, on Friday just before the The Satanic Verses author was to deliver a lecture on stage at an educational retreat near Lake Erie. Rushdie was hospitalised with serious injuries in what writers and politicians around the world decried as an attack on the freedom of expression.

Steve David Heimuli Tonga, 31, pleaded guilty to assaults occasioning bodily harm in public, while adversely affected by an intoxicating substance.

Prosecutor Harriet Hearn said Tonga had been drinking at 237 Flinders St and had approached a man at the bar at 11.40pm on April 25.

The man turned around and Tonga punched him in the left side of his jaw.

As the man fell to the ground Tonga tried to land a second punch, but missed.

While the man was on the floor, he held his hands over his face as Tonga punched him again.

Nineteen-year-old Leni Taufateau suffered a fractured skull after he was punched in an unprovoked attack by another male causing him to fall to the ground and hit his head on the pavement.

The attack took place in the early hours of Sunday morning and Taufateau remains in hospital.

His friend, Eddy Sunia, told the New Zealand Herald there have been lots of prayers coming from Tonga and it hasn't been easy for his parents.

He said it's been hard with the Covid-19 situation, but everyone is sending messages of support with his recovery.

The victim sustained major injuries and is in a critical condition at Vaiola Hospital.

The accused is in police custody and will appear in the Magistrates Court on Monday.

Police Investigation continues.

Kaniva News reported the investigation was launched after photos emerged on social media which appeared to show members of His Majesty's Armed Forces attacking a shirtless man as he lay injured on the ground.

One photo seemed to show a soldier stomping on the man's head with his boot-clad foot.

The military has confirmed an investigation has been launched, saying it regretted all allegations, especially in light of the strong photographic evidence of abusive conduct and the physical attack of a member of the public during an incident on November 4.

They have been charged with causing grievous bodily harm and conspiracy to cause bodily harm.

Kaniva News reports Tapueluelu was allegedly attacked after he told the Prime Minister that he would continue to “fakahohaʻasi” (disturb) him until he changed his mind about cancelling the hosting of the 2019 Pacific Games.

The comment was made at a press conference held by Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva last week.

The two have been released on bail to appear at the Magistrate Court on June 30th, according to Radio Tonga.

Another suspect was arrested last week.

The 27 year old victim suffered burns and other injuries in the alleged attack at Pea last week.

The suspect, who is in her late 20’s, was arrested and charged.

Radio Tonga reports the incident eventuated from a brawl between the couple.

The 22-year-old woman was rescued on Sunday when the vehicle she was driving was pulled over in a routine traffic stop in rural Mitchell, approximately 350 miles west of state capital Brisbane, police said.

She was "visibly distressed" and had scratches and bruises on her neck and face, police added.

Police officers searched the vehicle she was in and the man, also 22, was found hiding in the back of the vehicle.

Police alleged the former North Queensland Cowboys and Sydney Roosters player assaulted a 28-year-old man after an argument broke out on a Mudgeeraba street about 8:00pm.

The alleged victim was treated at Robina Hospital for minor injuries.

Watts, who is 29 and from NSW, is due to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court later today on one count of assault occasioning bodily harm.

The indictment against inmate Fernandes Masters alleges he kissed and fondled the guard's breasts and tried to have intercourse with her.

Prison officials have said co-workers rescued the officer after she called for help. Officials have provided no further details of the April 13 attack.