Custody remand for fifth tourist attacker

By Anne Clarkson

Karl Jaison Stowers is in custody after admitting stabbing two tourists in central Christchurch as part of a frenzied attack by a group of five men.

He pleaded guilty today to two charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, after a joint charge of assault with intent to injure was withdrawn.

He will join the four other attackers at a sentencing on August 22. They pleaded guilty to charges of assault with intent to injure two weeks ago and were remanded on bail.

But Karl Stowers has admitted the most serious charges from the incident.

Christchurch District Court Judge Colin Doherty remanded him in custody and ordered a pre-sentence report and victim impact statements from the tourists who are now overseas.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Dave Murray said the incident took place at the corner of High Street and Cashel Street about 1am on April 12.

Six tourists from England and Denmark encountered the group of five young men and were set upon in a “frenzied attack” after being spoken to by one of the attackers.

The tourists were punched in the head, stabbed, kicked in the stomach and head, and one of Stowers’ co-accused jumped on the head of one victim. One kick in the head was described as “like a football kick”.

Stowers stabbed one tourist in the ribcage, shoulder, and forearm, and another one in the upper body.

Defence counsel Pat Butler said Stowers had fled to Australia “hoping that it would all blow over”. The 27-year-old cleaner had returned voluntarily to face the charges.

He was now working, and living with his parents who were in court.

As he was remanded in custody and led to the cells, a woman in the back of the court yelled abuse at Judge Doherty.