A 16-year-old has been arrested and charged in relation to a
sexual assault on a girl in Maadi Rd, Napier last week.
Police say there was a great response from the public after
security camera photos were published in media and on
Facebook today, and information provided had been a great
help to the investigating team.
The pictures were captured a few minutes before midnight on
Saturday, November 24, and show a male dressed in a blue
checked shirt, dark jeans and white sneakers walking around
the Maadi Rd shopping centre, almost directly opposite the
public toilets where the assault took place.
Detective John McGregor said the teenage girl had been
walking home when she was confronted by a male she later said
was in his teens.
The victim said the male approached and threatened her with a
spanner - which was later found by police at the scene.
The girl said he forced her into the toilet block where he
allegedly sexually assaulted her.
Mr McGregor said while not physically injured, the girl was
left "emotionally shocked".
It is understood she has since undergone counselling.
The attack happened about 1am. A member of the public who had
been in the area earlier reported seeing a young man walking
around the shopping area. He was described as acting
"agitated".
The person who saw him said he was wearing a blue checked
shirt and jeans.
Mr McGregor said the CCTV footage came from a camera in the
area of the shopping centre, and was "very clear".
The youth will be appearing in the Napier Youth Court
tomorrow.
- By Hawke's Bay Today
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