Blenheim Man Sentenced to Home Detention After Violent Nelson Cemetery Rampage

Anthony Archbold receives home detention for a violent assault on a grieving widower and a naked rampage at Nelson's Marsden Cemetery while on alcohol and LSD.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 18, 2026, 3:33 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

The Attack on a Grieving Widower

The incident began when a man in his 70s was visiting the cemetery to tend to his late wife’s grave. Archbold approached the man and, without provocation, launched a "flying kick" at him before attempting to throttle him. The victim was forced to use his walking stick to defend himself as he retreated to his vehicle. While physically uninjured, police reported the man was left "extremely shaken and frightened" by the sudden violence.

Naked Rampage and Desecration of Graves

Following the initial assault, Archbold’s behavior escalated into a public disturbance. He removed all his clothing and began running naked across the gravesites, shouting obscenities. Witnesses, including council workers, saw him smashing glass bottles and using a plastic punching bag he had brought with him to damage headstones. He was also observed throwing memorial items, including flowers and photographs, around the cemetery in a fit of rage.

Assault on Police and Arrest

The violence continued when police arrived to subdue the naked man. During the arrest, Archbold spat on one constable and headbutted another. The headbutt resulted in a police officer requiring hospital treatment for: