In Tauranga District Court this morning

Rastaman Rapatini, one of three men charged with the attempted robberies of Katikati Park Rd Dairy and Waihi Mobil Service Station in June, pleaded guilty in Tauranga District Court this morning to two accounts of assault with intend to rob.

Rapatini also pleaded guilty to receiving a Nissan Terrano vehicle on May 15 in Rotorua, and to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm.

He will remain in custody to be sentenced on January 17.

One of Rapatini's co-accused has pleaded not guilty, while the other failed to appear in court. A warrant for his arrest has been issued.

Meanwhile, the Mount Maunganui man accused of seriously injuring two women at a house in Arataki in July made an appearance in Tauranga District Court today.

Phillip Hunter, 29 pleaded not guilty to three separate charges of assault with intent to injure and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

No trial date has been set but Hunter is due to re-appear in court on 13 March.