Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A New Zealand man has been accused of assaulting a boy by throwing a hedgehog at him.
Police say William Singalargh, 27, threw the hedgehog at the 15-year-old boy in the North Island east coast town of Whakatane.
"It hit the victim in the leg, causing a large, red welt and several puncture marks," police Senior Sgt Bruce Jenkins said. The teenager did not need medical treatment.
Police arrested Singalargh shortly after the incident on 9 February and charged him with assault with a weapon - "namely the hedgehog", Sgt Jenkins said.
At a hearing in Whakatane District Court on February 14, Singalargh's lawyer said he intended to plead not guilty, The Herald on Sunday newspaper reported.
The case is due to resume on 17 April. If convicted, he faced up to five years in prison, Sgt Jenkins said.
"People often get charged with assault for throwing things at other people," he said, although he admitted the use of a hedgehog as a weapon was "uncommon".
It was unclear if he also would face animal cruelty charges. The Herald said the hedgehog was dead when it was collected as evidence, but did not know if it was dead or alive at the time of the alleged attack.
The Herald reported Singalargh's arrest under the headline: "Raise your hands and step away from the hedgehog."
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments