Darwin crime: Man, 72, allegedly assaulted with machete before police called in for siege

An elderly man was allegedly assaulted with a machete over a dispute about music, leading to a police siege.

Police siege at Moulden Terrace units leads to arrest of man for alleged machete assault. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

A 72-year-old man was allegedly assaulted by his neighbour with a machete due to a noise complaint in Moulden on Friday.

NT Police said they received reports of the alleged assault at a unit complex on Moulden Terrace about 6.10pm, leading to the arrest of a 42-year-old alleged offender.

“It is alleged that the victim approached his neighbour’s unit to complain about loud music and a confrontation ensued, during which the male assaulted the victim while armed with a machete,” an NT Police spokesman said.

“Police attended, and the victim was conveyed to Palmerston Regional Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries to his hands and shoulder.

“The alleged offender retreated into his unit and Police negotiators and Territory Response Group were deployed to the scene.

“The male later surrendered without incident.”

The 42-year-old was remanded in custody and will appear in Darwin Local Court on Tuesday.

He is charged with recklessly endangering serious harm and unlawfully causing serious harm.