The case of a Hastings trio facing kidnapping and sexual violence charges was heard in court yesterday, as one of the accused pleaded guilty to assault.
Two young men and a young woman are jointly charged with kidnapping, unlawful sexual connection, indecent assault, assault with a blunt instrument and assault with a stabbing instrument against a female victim.
Only one of the alleged male offenders appeared in Hastings District Court yesterday before Judge Jonathan Down, while the other two were excused from appearing.
The offender pleaded guilty to injuring with intent to injure and assault with a blunt instrument, a spatula, but not guilty to kidnapping, two counts of unlawful sexual connection, assault with scissors and two charges relating to indecent assault.
His lawyer, Tony Snell, said his client had elected jury trial for "all not-guilty matters".