A 22-year-old man has been arrested over the brutal attack
and rape of a woman in Nelson on New Year's Day.
The 62-year-old woman was bashed and sexually assaulted in a
community garden in the Victory area of Nelson as she worked
alone, in an attack police described as "cowardly and
prolonged".
Police arrested a Nelson man this morning after his DNA
allegedly matched evidence gathered at the scene.
Detective Sergeant Ian Langridge said the man was already on
the police suspect list.
He was remanded in custody and would appear in Nelson
District Court later today on a number of charges including
kidnapping and sexual violation.
The victim was relieved to hear the news, Mr Langridge said.
"Her relief is shared by our entire investigation team who
have put in some long hours since this terrible incident on
New Year's Day. I'm sure the people of Nelson will also be
very relieved to know we have this man in custody."
Nelson Bays Area Commander Inspector Steve Greally
congratulated the investigation team for their work.
Police would now be focusing on the prosecution phase of the
investigation, he said.
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