A New Zealand man claimed he was bitten by three people who allegedly drank his blood during a vampire-style attack in the dark.
Details of the bizarre late night incident on Mount Victoria, an unlit beauty spot that overlooks the capital, Wellington, emerged after two people appeared in court jointly charged with wounding with intent to render a man unconscious.
James Phillip Brooks, 22, and Xenia Gregoriana Borichevsky, 19, were both remanded on bail without entering a plea.
A warrant was issued for the arrest of a third accused, James Eric Orr, 19, who failed to appear at Wellington District Court.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in jail.
It is believed the victim, whose name has been suppressed by the court, passed out after being bitten by vampire on the night of February 20.
Outside the court, Mr Brooks said he understood there was blood drinking during the incident but added: "That wasn't me.
"Do I look like a vampire? I'm out during the daytime," he told the city's Dominion-Post newspaper.
Mr Brooks, who has a number of facial piercings and a mohawk haircut, said: "I may look like a punk but I'm not a punk. I'm just different.
"Yeah, I bit a guy. He hit on my missus. My girlfriend and my mate were biting him.