Levi Hill, 29, accused of attacking 40-year-old man with hammer at Port Macquarie early on Sunday morning

A 29-year-old man has faced court and been sent to hospital for a mental health check after an alleged attack on a 40-year-old man with a hammer on the Mid-North Coast.

Levi Hill, 29, has been accused of bashing a man with a hammer.

A 29-year-old man has faced court and been sent to hospital for mental health assessment after an alleged “bizarre” attack on a 40-year-old man with a hammer on the Mid-North Coast.

Levi Hill faced Port Macquarie Local Court on Monday after the alleged attack just before 2am on Sunday.

Officers from Mid North Coast Police District were called to Clarence St, Port Macquarie and found the older man suffering from an array of injuries to his head, arms and legs.

The 40-year-old was taken to hospital in a stable condition.

Police arrested Hill and allegedly seized a hammer and a balaclava at the scene, which were due to undergo forensic examination.

It’s alleged Hill threatened the man and returned later in the night to attack him.

Hill was taken to Port Macquarie Police Station and charged with having his face blackened or disguised with intention to commit an indictable offence, using an offensive weapon with intention to commit an indictable offence, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and stalking/intimidating. No pleas have been entered.

Port Macquarie courthouse. Picture: Peter Lorimer

Hill’s matter was initially delayed when it reached the court as defence lawyer Michael Dampney worked to get medical information from family members.

Hill appeared in the court dock about 2pm, handcuffed, and appearing to be distressed.

He acknowledged his grandparents, who were sitting in the court in support.

At one point, Hill tried to write a message to them on the glass of the dock.

Mr Dampney told Magistrate Georgina Darcey Hill’s mother learned he had hit rock bottom in Queensland and arranged for him to travel to Port Macquarie.

The court heard she was trying to find help for her son when the alleged offending occurred.

Ms Darcy agreed to send Hill to hospital for assessment.

“Given the bizarre nature of the allegations, I am satisfied he appears to me that he is a mentally ill or disordered person and will make the order to send him to hospital for assessment,” she said.

She Said Hill would be brought back before the court “if found not mentally unwell”.