A Christchurch man charged with assaulting Graham Capill has pleaded guilty to the charge.
Daniel Andrew McNally was in court last month when Capill, the former leader of the Christian Heritage Party, appeared on a charge of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 12.
Police said that after overhearing a conversation about Capill, McNally waited outside the courthouse and attacked him as he left.
Capill suffered swelling to the right side of his face and bruising to his hips and elbows.
McNally has been remanded in custody until April 15 when he'll be sentenced. Capill will be sentenced next month.