27-year-old William Singalargh allegedly picked up the animal and threw it at the teenager in the North Island town of Whakatane on February 9.

Police senior sergeant Bruce Jenkins explained that the hurled hedgehog struck the victim in the leg and caused a large, red welt and several puncture marks. Police arrested Singalargh shortly after the incident and charged him with assault with a weapon. Jenkins then confirmed the weapon in question was a hedgehog.

Can I get a witness?

Following a hearing at Whakatane District Court on February 14, Singalargh’s case resumed this week. The unusual nature of the charges resulted in national and international coverage. But the case was quickly adjourned after a witness, who defence counsel Rebecca Plunket said was pivotal to their case, failed to turn up.

Judge David Ongley issued a warrant for the arrest of the witness and adjourned the hearing until May 29. If convicted, Singalargh faces up to five years in prison. It is unclear if he will also face animal cruelty charges. Reports claimed the hedgehog was dead when it was collected as evidence but did not state if it was still alive when thrown.