Man in custody over alleged serious sexual assaults
A 37-year-old man has been charged after allegations of serious sexual offending in Tūrangi on March 7.
On March 23, the Flaxmere man, who has name suppression, was arrested and charged with abduction for sex, impedes breathing/blood circulation, two counts of unlawful sexual connection with female over 16, and four counts male rapes female over 16.
Those offences are alleged to have occurred in Hastings on March 14-15.
He is currently remanded in custody, due to reappear in Napier District Court on 12 June.
Acting Detective Sergeant Steve Leonard says since then another victim has come forward in relation to offending that is reported to have occurred in the Tūrangi area on March 7.
In relation to this incident, Police have laid a further 13 charges against the man, including abduction for sex, injures with intent to injure, indecently assaulting female over 16, male rapes female over 16, two counts of impedes breathing/blood circulation, and seven counts of unlawful sexual connection with a female over 16.
He is due to appear in Taupō District Court on April 29 in relation to these charges.
Police continue to appeal for anyone who may have information on any other alleged offending by this man to come forward.
“We want to thank the victims who have come forward so far and commend them on their bravery.
“We know it can be very difficult and distressing to have talk about these incidents, but we want to reassure you, and any other victims, that we take you and these matters seriously.”
Detective sergeant Leonard says they have officers and detectives dedicated to these cases and can provide a safe space to report offending in confidence.
Those with any information that may assist Police in their investigation, can contact them online at 105.police.govt.nz or call 105, referencing file number 260316/3776.
“We can then contact you to make appropriate arrangements to discuss matters in an appropriate and safe way.”