The 22-year-old man arrested after a brutal and prolonged
rape of a 62-year-old woman in Nelson will have name
suppression lifted tomorrow morning.
The man appeared in Nelson District Court this afternoon
after alleged DNA evidence led to his arrest shortly before
8am today.
He showed no emotion as Judge Chris Tuohy granted name
suppression only until 10am Tuesday.
The man faces four charges of sexual violation, one charge of
injury with intent to injure, one charge of indecent assault,
one charge of kidnapping and one of aggravated assault.
The woman, a volunteer, was working alone at the Victory
Community Gardens when she was attacked on New Year's Day.
Detective Sergeant Ian Langridge, of Nelson, said the victim
was "elated" with news of the arrest.
"Her relief is shared by our entire investigation team who've
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."
He said many of the investigating team commented that the
attack was one of the most severe non-fatal cases they had
ever seen in Nelson.
Mr Langridge said the support of the community had been a
huge help for police.
"We're very fortunate here in Nelson Bays. We've got a very
supportive community; this result the work of the police and
the community working together in partnership."
He said police were not looking for any other suspects.
Nelson Bays Area Commander, Inspector Steve Greally,
congratulated the investigation team for their work.
"This crime was particularly heinous in nature and generated
a great deal of emotion within the wider Nelson community and
particularly within the Victory area. I would like to
congratulate and thank Detective Sergeant Ian Langridge and
his investigation team for the countless hours they invested
to enable an arrest.
"I would also like to thank members of the community for
their assistance in resolving this matter. I have said it
before, that police cannot work without the assistance of the
community, and we are very grateful for the support we get in
Nelson Bays," he said.
- Andrew Board of Nelson Weekly
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